It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...

Our family lost a beautiful soul yesterday. Mike was married to my sister, Diana a long time ago. After two children, they decided they were much better as friends than husband and wife.

They continued to co-parent my niece and nephew, and he was always present in the lives of their grandchildren. When my nephew was house hunting for his family, they found a place just a few houses away from Mike's. 

Mike traveled with both families when they took trips, and he even camped with them. He was always just a call away when someone needed a sitter, and Dan's daughters nicknamed him "Papa Angel" because he always referred to them as his little angels. (They call Di "Nana Ponygirl" because she always did "ponyboy" on her knee when they were little.)

Mike was diagnosed with cancer a few short months ago, and he took a turn for the worse yesterday. He was readmitted to the hospital and continued to decline through the day. 

His children, grandchildren, and sister were all able to say their goodbyes, and he passed peacefully late afternoon. The world has lost a kind, generous, and wonderful man yesterday, and our family and the world are less for it.

RIP, Brother. You'll be deeply missed.

Meet Milo...

I made it to my niece's home yesterday to visit with her and my sister, Diana. Di lives out of state, but was at her daughter's to take care of her following an extensive surgical procedure. My niece is feeling fine, but she does get understandably tired.

When I arrived I was greeted by this little guy. His name is Milo. He's my niece's cockapoo and is about nine months old. He's so darn cute and huggable. 

Di brought her corgi, Grace with her, but Grace and I only had a short visit because Milo is such a pest with her. She  doesn't tolerate a cray puppy well.

I spent about about six hours with the ladies, and Milo settled down fairly quickly once the excitement of a new visitor wore off. It was a lovely afternoon.

Di is staying in Wisconsin until about a week from now, so I'm going up again next week to see them again. I can't wait!

This Part's Done...

I finished them late last night! When I look at them from a distance, I can see that they really do resemble a Monarch's  wings. Can I be just a wee bit chuffed?

I'm going to draw and set up my hoop for the body next, but not quite yet. My plans for yesterday were delayed due to weather, so I'm going to see my sister and niece today instead. 

I'm taking goodies and plan to visit all afternoon, so my project will have to wait (for a little while). I'll share the next phase when I start it. I'm going to get my things together for my road trip now. Later, 'gator!

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote...

Di's Patriotic Bella Tote

You know how I dislike cutting out the pieces for new projects, right? I usually cut one day and sew the next. Yesterday was different. I cut and completed the tote for my sister in a few hours, and man, was I chuffed when it was finished.

So, here's the tote I made for her. She wanted it to be highly patriotic, so I combined navy and red cork, eagles and flags on the exterior pocket, and "America" and flags on the interior.

I sent photos to her when it was finished, and she whooped she was so tickled. She'll be in town today, but I'll likely see her in the morning when she comes out (with Grace!!!) to pick it up. She's excited to get her tote, and I'm equally excited to meet Grace (her new Corgi). I'll be sure to have Bella and Carly crated so no one bullies the puppy.

Yes. I'm still doing laundry. It's wonderful to have a second (and first) story clothes chute to the basement, but it can be a shock to see what's accumulated when you go into the basement. I'm going to keep after it until its all done and put away...and the basement it back to normal. 

I want to make curtains for the basement windows, too, so once the laundry is finished, I'll probably get after that project. I want something that will let the light in, but won't allow views into the basement from outside. I'll probably just choose a white cotton muslin. No frills. Just something practical and simple.

That won't happen until next week for sure. In the meantime, I'll work on my needlework in between loads of laundry. I work tonight, and then I'm off until Tuesday. I'm sure I'll accomplish something between now and then! 

Happy Weekend!

A Surprise For Di...

I'm hoping to see Di next week, and if I do, I'm going to have a surprise for her. She's a patriotic gal, and has been asking for this for a while. I keep telling her I'll do it for her Birthday in November. This would be early - and a real surprise.

If my travel plans hold, I'll share a photograph of her receiving it next week. For now, I'm going to get busy in the studio! Once I have my morning cuppa, I'm going to be cutting and sewing! It's going to be a fun day.

A New Fairy Steed In The Family...

Last week, I got a call from my brother-in-law. He had a question to ask me. About a month ago, my sister, Di lost her German Shepherd who previously belonged to our Dad. For her, losing that dog was like losing Dad all over again. Like Tag, Titus failed fast, giving no advance opportunity to prepare. In a flash, he was gone. Di was understandably devastated. Thankfully, she and her husband had another dog in their family to help ease the pain a little.

The call I received was to ask whether or not I thought Di might welcome a six month old puppy into their family. Was she ready for another dog? Was she ready for another Corgi? She lost her first Corgi, which we rescued in Florida for her, in August of 2013 after a tragic accident. Tag wrote about her HERE.

I was told this new pup didn't look at all like Ceri. She's black and tan and white...and she has a tail! "A black-headed tri!", I told him. When he sent photos I told him she's a Pembroke with a tail and a beautiful face. Yes. I thought my sister would welcome this pup with open arms.

Currently, Di is staying at their campsite three hours from home, and her husband goes up for a week at a time, when he can take vacation time from work. His plan was to surprise her last weekend, and could I keep it a secret from her? I assured him I could.

I got a call from Di on Saturday after her husband arrived, calling me "Mrs. Secret Keeper", and I could hear her grin through the phone. I giggled and asked her what she thought. You can see her obvious joy in this photograph.

Here's where the real story begins. I found myself going around the house all morning as I waited for Di's call, thinking about what she might call this little girl. The first name that occurred to me was "Grace". I dismissed it because, well...Mom Grace, plus her best friend's granddaughter's name is "Gracelyn". No. she wouldn't go for that, but in spite of the fact that I have an entire list of "Corgi" names, nothing else occurred to me.

Well, I asked Di what she decided to name the puppy and without hesitation she responded, "Grace. Saving Grace, because she's saved me from my sadness over losing Dad's dog." I started to cry, and when she asked what was wrong, I told her about the only name that had been swirling around in my head for the past five or six hours. I told her we were more connected than simple genetics. Our connection is much deeper and more spiritual. Her reply was a simple, "I've known that for many years, Donna." I well up with tears again just recounting this exchange for you.

So, my friends, meet "Saving Grace" aka "Grace". I'm going to the campsite to spend a week with Di in July, so I'll get to meet this little girl. You know how she'll weasel her way into my heart, right? Another Corgi in the family, who tilts her head just like Tag did...sigh...and her ears are nearly as big! I can't wait!

Welcome to the family, Grace. We love you already.

The Newlyweds...

Saturday was so wonderful. Handsome and I were invited to witness my great-nephew, Ethan marry his sweetheart, Brianna. They've been together long enough to have three beautiful children together and recently purchased their first home. I know. I'm old-fashioned, but I've been pulling for these kids for a long time! Ethan is my sister, Diana's grandson. His mom is my niece, Stephanie.

I'm so proud of the young man he's become, and I told him so shortly before I took this photograph of them in their receiving line after the ceremony. These smiles were just for me, and I'm honored to share them with you. I have a few more to share, too...

The officiant moved out of position as he pronounced them man and wife, so the photographers could capture their first kiss as newlyweds. By the way, isn't her gown beautiful, and doesn't he look handsome?

 

 

Their first kiss. 

 

I want you to notice the next two photos in particular. If you look at Brianna's waist, you'll see that's where she pinned her "Something Blue" brooch I created for her. She made a point of showing me she had it on when we spoke in the receiving line.

 

Ethan smiled for my picture here. They had two professional photographers, so I know there will be many more much better pictures than these, but these smiles of Ethan's were for me, and they'll forever be special.

 

I've written about time spent with him in the past on my blog. If you want to see pictures of him growing up, just go to the "Search this blog" area over there in my sidebar -----> and type in "Ethan" to see how he's grown into this handsome husband and dad. You may get an understanding of how much he means to me.

 

I wasn't at their gift opening Sunday afternoon (they didn't have a big get-together. Just his and her immediate family), but I'm sure I'll hear from them when they open their gift from us.

Their family and friends were so happy to witness these two as they begin a long, happy life together. I can't wait to see where the future takes them. All I'm sure of is that they'll be together.

Bridal Shower...

The weekend got off to a rough start with my sister's daughters coming in from out of state to try to deal with her personal effects to clean out her home. Her husband is having an understandably difficult time, and going through my sister's things was difficult for everyone. My remaining two sisters and I did what we could to help, but there were a lot of tears amidst moments of happy memories and laughter. 

Our nieces went back home yesterday, and will return in a couple months to put together an estate sale, but many boxes went for donation, and some items of sentimental value were given to family members. 

Before the ladies left yesterday, I was able to meet up with them for a light lunch. Hugs were exchanged, and then we parted ways. My eldest niece was driving six hours to get home, while the other was heading to the airport to fly home. I got in my trusty Explorer and drove an hour north to the wedding shower for my great-nephew, Ethan's fiancee's wedding shower. I knew my two remaining sisters would both be there, so we were looking forward to celebrating for a couple hours.

The bride is in white, and she's surrounded by her sister, who is the Maid of Honor (in pink), her two other bridesmaids, and her daughter.

My niece (her future mother-in-law) threw a wonderful party. She's a great party planner, and there was tasty food, and a few fun quiz games to play for prizes. 

When the bride-to-be opened the gift from Handsome and me, she looked at me and smiled. She told me more than once that she loved her new brooch, and would absolutely wear it for their ceremony. I am delighted that she is happy with what I created for their wedding.

Before we all parted ways, I made sure there were photos taken of me with my two sisters, Di and Jan. We did the best we could to help our nieces over the weekend, then attend this celebration, but I know all three of us were tired by the end of yesterday. 

Jan will be working today and tomorrow; Di will spend a little time with her son's family before leaving to drive six hours north to go home. She lives near my eldest niece, so she has nearly the identical drive. I'm going to get some things done with Handsome today, but I'll be able to rest a bit, too. This weekend was a good time to spend with family, but under the circumstances, it was exhausting, so we'll recuperate as we're able. 

We all miss the sister who wasn't there, and it will always be this way for us. We were four and now we're three, but Lyn will always be in our hearts, and we'll do our best for her daughters, grandchildren, and husband.

No Canning Today...

 

My sister, Diana surprised us with a visit yesterday. She arrived right after Handsome helped me unload nearly two bushels of pears from the tractor to carry them into the farmhouse. I had already started setting up my canning supplies, and washed the pears for peeling and cutting.

After watching me hand peel the pears for about three pounds-worth, Di asked why I wasn't using my Pampered Chef tool called the "apple peeler, corer, slicer". Handsome calls it my potato lathe. When I explained that I didn't want to use it to core the pears because of their sometimes irregular shape, she informed me that that feature can be disengaged. (She's my Pampered Chef consultant, too.) Knowing that I, too, store seldom used appliances and tools in the basement - just as she does - she said, "Go downstairs and bring it back up. I'll show you how to do it." 

Well, I fairly pranced downstairs to get it, and after turning one screw, and turning the corer out of the way, I loaded up my first pear, peeled it and was perfectly giddy. This was going to save me a lot of time and sore thumbs. So, I got to cranking the pears. Di peeled off anything that was left from the "lathe", and Handsome cut up the pears and tossed them into a bowl with citric acid and water to keep the pears from turning brown. We got our system going and before we knew it, we'd prepared twenty pounds for canning.

Di had to leave shortly after we got all those pears peeled, but I kept going by making the light syrup and adding pears in small loads. Once they were cooked in the syrup for five minutes, I filled the jars and then put them into my electric water bath canner. I could only get eight or nine jars in at a time, but they only needed to process for twenty five minutes, so I just ran two loads in the canner.

The result is this beautiful array of finished pears for the pantry...and I still have 3/4 of a bushel yet to do. As it's supposed to get into the high 90s today, canning will not be on my agenda. As Tag told you, he and I will be attending Handsome's last concert this evening. Di is going to join us, along with some of my nieces and nephews. We're all looking forward to it. You'll read all about it next week when you get to see it from his ground level point of view. (hee hee, Tag. I saw your 'old people' joke yesterday!)

Time to check the garden, take care of the kitties, and then figure out how to keep cool if it's really going to be that hot today. I may need to spend some of that time in the studio, enjoying a little craft therapy. What are you doing today?

 

Turning Back The Hands Of Time...

Here I am with my youngest sister, Jan. There's a thirteen year age difference between us. When I was a young woman out in the working world, she was in junior high school. In those days, Taco Bell was also a young company, and they finally had a restaurant in our home town.

After I finished my work day, Jan would just be finishing her track practice so I would pick her up from school in my VW Beetle and we'd head to Taco Bell for our favorite enchiritos. When Taco Bell first introduced them, they were 99 cents and came in a promotional Corning Ware™ French white mini oval casserole dish. (I still have two of the originals from those days!)

My sister, Diana and youngest brother, Chris also loved them, and once they were discontinued, all three of us were upset. We even managed to find a copycat recipe a while back and I know Di and Chris made them at home.

Over the weekend, someone posted on social media that Taco Bell took a poll to see which "oldie but goodie" they should bring back for a limited time. The Enchirito won! Word spread from sibling to sibling like wildfire, and I told Jan I'd make a trip up the Valley, pick her up and we'd go for an enchirito lunch.(She can't drive right now because she had a recent foot surgery, so I would be designated driver.) She was all in, so we set a time, and I drove to Appleton yesterday to pick her up.

In no time at all, we were seated in a booth with our enchirito lunches, and took our first bites. MMmmmmm...tasted just as we remembered. We finished our lunches, ran another errand and then went back to her home for the rest of the afternoon. We promised to do it again soon. Now, if only they'd also brought back the caramel apple empanadas for dessert... sigh  Ahhhh, yes. Just like the good old days.

PS. If you didn't know yet, I'm having a Cyber Week Sale in my Etsy Shop. Everything is 20% off - no coupon required! 

Tuesdays With Tag - What? Me Fickle?...

Hi, Everybody!

Boy, did I have fun with Aunt Di here last week! I couldn't have been better behaved...well, except (maybe) for the part where I couldn't stop lookin' at her when she had food. Don't hold it against me. You know it's the Corgi Way, after all!

 

I mean, how can I ignore someone who called me "Little Prince" every time I walked into the room? I'm tellin' ya, after a while it can't help but turn your head and puff up your chest. I'm only human, you know!

Mom kept tryin' to get my attention, but I know she's never gonna share her lunch with me. At least with Aunt Di, I've got a fightin' chance. Unless Mom or Dad tell her not to.

We had a great week together and all three of us furry quadropods got lots of attention. We really hated to see her leave on Friday. Didn't take any time at all for things to settle down and get back to normal. We started by takin' a couple of nice, long naps. 

Mom said these pictures show just how scruffy I am these days. She's brushin' me and pullin' out stray clumps all the time, but I'm still moltin'. That means Mom or Dad are vacuumin' or sweepin' every single day. Guess that means I'm still her "old shoebrush".

One more thing before I close...I hope all of you have a very Happy Thanksgivin'! May there be never-endin' turkey and mashed potatoes in your future. 

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

Red & White Quilt Show...

Diana and I drove to the Primitive Gatherings' Red & White Quilt Show yesterday, and it was a phenomenal show! So many gorgeous quilts executed by talented artists around the country. There were a total of one hundred forty quilts on display.

The first quilt I saw was "Best of Show", created by my buddy, Kathy D. I can see why it was a judge's favorite. Kathy made this one from the first fabric cut, to the stellar machine quilting. I love it!

All the quilts are hung from rods and along the walls in the Gathering House. Kathy's sitting at the table, preparing kits for a cute counted thread Make & Take class she's teaching all weekend. Her pattern is available HERE.

There are so many beautiful quilts to see. How is one to choose a favorite? (Of course, the people who view all the quilts will be able to vote for Viewer's Choice during the show.) 

This is looking back at the front doors of the Gathering House. Everywhere you look there are more wonderful quilts!

Sewcial Sister, Lori is teaching "Fresh Stitched Trees" (available as a pattern or kit on the Primitive Gatherings website HERE).

Diana sat down to make a ceramic ornament with Lisa Bongean. Now she has a beautiful new trinket for her family tree. (I couldn't find a link to these on Primitive Gatherings' website. Sorry.)

This is the hallway leading to all the retreat "hotel" rooms. Each room has a quilt block that matches the block on the key fob for that room. The usual ones were all switched out for red and white ones for the show. I loved that! This hall was also lined with quilts for the show, and this is where I found mine hanging.

I'M EXCITED!!!

I have a blue ribbon to add to my collection of quilting awards. This one means a lot to me, as I dedicated this quilt to my dad. Thank you to the judges for choosing my piece. I'm so grateful.

After doing a little shopping (to get the free with purchase holiday patterns), Diana and I turned for home. She had a new ornament for her tree, and I had my new purchases...and a happy heart. It was a great day for both of us.

Congratulations to all the quilters who submitted their gorgeous works of heArt to the show. If it's possible to get to Larsen from where you live, it's well worth the trip. 

Goodness From The Kitchen...

Yesterday, Di and I pulled up an online recipe for Homemade Hawaiian Sweet Rolls for our project. Neither of us had made them before, so we jumped in to make these for dinner. Our goal was to turn these into "funeral sandwiches", usually served in church basements by a group of ladies for the "after funeral meal". It was actually Diana's Birthday, so we joked about how we probably could have chosen different fare in light of her celebration, but we went with this anyway.

If you're interested in making your own, they aren't difficult at all. We got our recipe HERE. They were delicious, especially when filled with the usual ham and swiss cheese. The recipe for the sandwiches came from HERE.

We've been having fun in the kitchen, first making a tasty casserole we'd seen on Instagram that called for rotisserie chicken. Instead I used the turkey that came off the carcass when I made broth on Monday. It was delicious. We also made homemade macaroni and cheese using Emeril Lagasse's recipe HERE. Actually, my recipe called for shell pasta, but this is basically all the same ingredients. Sorry I didn't take photos for you. Too busy eating, I guess. lol

I'm not sure what we're going to do today. Di's managed to catch a cold this trip. Hearty chicken soup might be the best thing for what ails her. I can always make a nice batch of biscuits as a side dish. We'll have her feeling better in no time.

See you tomorrow.

    

   

 

More Kitchen Time...

Three of our local grocery stores are running sales on turkeys this season (Piggly Wiggly, Meijers, and Pick & Save). The birds are actually lost leaders - meaning they lose money on the price, but draw you into the store where you make a minimum purchase in order to get the sale price. Thankfully, there were other things I needed anyway that met their required purchase, so I bought an eleven pound bird for only $7.00. 

I pulled another bird out of the freezer from this spring and spent part of Sunday morning removing the skin and cutting up the meat to put into jars in the pressure canner. By 3:00 in the afternoon, I had processed all the readily available meat into five pint jars - three with white meat, one with dark meat, and one of turkey thighs. 

When I finished with the pressure canner, I placed all the bones and remaining meat scraps into a large pot, along with carrots, onions, garlic, spring water, and seasoning to cook down into stock. 

We had a retirement party to attend in the evening for the current music director for the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, so I set the pot into our sufficiently cold back entry (uninsulated, I might add), and I'll finish that today.

Right now, I have all this canned turkey which I can easily turn into homemade turkey pot pies, turkey with the "fixings", or turkey casserole. I have another fourteen pound bird in the freezer, and I think I'm going to get one more to can. Once the stock is cooked down, I'll strain the contents of the pot, can straight stock, and then stock with the meat that fell off the bones during cooking. That will make a good starter for turkey soup this winter. I can serve it with biscuits or top it with dumplings when we're ready to use it.

The canning shelves are full in the pantry, but I'll definitely find more room as I need it.I keep repeating that the best thing I've done lately is teach myself to use a pressure canner. I get so excited about using it, and really, the goodness just keeps on coming. It's the gift that continues to give. 

Tag will be back tomorrow. My sister, Di is arriving today for a few days. We're planning to be baking and canning while she's here. I wish you could at least smell the kitchen as we're working together. I think you'd love it. As that's not possible, I promise to share photos so you can see what we accomplish. See you Wednesday!

A Quick Update…

 

Trevor found the (nearly) perfect perch in the sun. The Labrador/Corgi booger-smeared window wasn’t optimal, but he didn’t seem to care. I, on the other hand, am horrified to admit how filthy that window panel is, and that I actually shared it with you! (Believe me. I’ll definitely take care of that!)

The great news is that he and I are in Minnesota as I write this. A dear friend has formally adopted him and has asked me to remain his Aunty. Once she committed to be his new, forever Mom, I called my sister to see how she’d feel about a weekend guest, and loaded us into the Explorer for the drive north. I arrived at Di’s house just after 8 pm. 

I’ll share photos and more about Trevor’s new owners on Monday. I’m thrilled that he has a wonderful home and loving people to live with now. 

After they pick him up at Di’s today, she and I will hang out until Sunday afternoon, when I’ll head back home. Check back on Monday for more info about Trevor’s new family. 

I’m so very grateful. 

Donna ❤️

A Productive Weekend...

Not only did I put up another batch of Black Rasperry Preserves, I also did a little weekend baking. I made these scrumptious Strawberry Rhubarb Hand Pies for Sunday dinner's dessert. 

It all began when I looked at the scruffy rhubarb patch at the west end of the Compass Barn. Rhubarb's sister plant, the burdock had taken up residence next to the patch and was getting ready to start going to seed. I didn't want that! Even though there are medicinal qualities to the burdock, I didn't want them sprouting up all around the rhubarb, so outside I went to take the interloper out of the rhubarb bed.

Next thing you know, I'm pulling out wilted rhubarb leaves that were rotting on the grass, and then I took off all the seed heads that were growing out of the rhubarb. (I'm going to try growing new plants from seed to put into next years new and improved garden space.) I also pulled beautiful stalks that would become these hand pies, another small pie, and a few near future treats. I'm going to make rhubarb simple syrup that can be added to sparkling water, or perhaps a summery adult beverage. I'm also contemplating another of Marisa McClellan's recipes for a Rhubarb Rosemary jelly.

The recipe for the hand pies is simple. I cut up 2 cups of cleaned rhubarb into 1/2" chunks; added about 1 cup of cut up fresh strawberries, and about 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice. Place in a large bowl and sprinkle one cup of sugar over the mix. Let sit while you make the pie crust.

The pie crust recipe was from my ancient Betty Crocker cookbook. 1 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 t. salt, 3/4 c. Crisco shortening, and 2 tsp. water. Cut the Crisco into the flour until it's incorporated. Add the water and mix into a dough. Roll it out and use a hand pie maker (mine is from Pampered Chef) to cut out the dough, form and then seal the pies. I put an egg wash and granulated sugar on top before I popped them in the oven. I baked these in my air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 400º. Drizzled a mixture of confectioner's sugar and half & half over the top when they were still hot. (If you use a conventional oven, bake at 475º for 10-12 minutes.) It's that simple.

Full disclosure: My sister, Diana is a Pampered Chef consultant, so I get all my kitchen wares through her now. I just hosted my annual online party, and the Hand Pie Maker was one of my free perks. Not only are they perfect for making sweet treats, but you can also make savory pies, too! I just prepare a meat and vegetable like you would for a pot pie, and then seal them into the crust with this handy gadget. If you'd like to get one for yourself, you can click HERE to check it out. There's even a little video that shows you how they're used! Di is happy to answer any questions, and if you want to get yours free, the online parties couldn't be easier. She does all the work. All you do is invite friends who you think would be interested in some new recipes and seeing what Pampered Chef has in their product lines. Anyway, enough of the little commercial. I'll just say the Hand Pie Maker is an awesome tool and it made making these extremely simple.

Once all my dessert-ing was finished, I prepared a nice meal for Handsome and me. After dinner, we went outside and watered all our new plantings, and then settled in to enjoy a little rhubarb treat. It was a lovely end to a lovely weekend.

I'm heading up to Primitive Gatherings this morning for a day with the Sewcial Sisters. Kathy D. is having a procedure today, so she can't be with us. If you're inclined, please say a little prayer for my friend that all goes well, so she can join us for the August gathering. 

Tag will be here tomorrow, and I'll be back on Wednesday. I hope you have an awesome week, and make time for something creative. I'd better be on my way. I sure don't want to be late for all the fun!