Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder



From the title (isn't it just great!) to the epilogue, this is the best book that I've read in a very long time. As with her previous books, Rebecca Wells fills The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder with love, pain, and passion.  This book takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride.  I've enjoyed all of her previous books about the Ya-ya's,  but this one (with all new characters, but still set in Louisiana) is definitely my favorite.  I think that this will have to be my next selection for our Bluestockings Book Club discussion.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Have a Little Faith



I just finished reading Mitch Albom's new book, Have a Little Faith.  It was terrific...his best since Tuesdays with Morrie.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Comfort Food: Macaroni and Cheese

One of blogs that I follow, Our Best Bites, had an entry this week on comfort foods, actually a recipe for chicken pot pie that looks terrific.  I love this site, by the way. Anyhow, the authors, Sara and Kate, mention that they haven't found the perfect recipe for macaroni and cheese.  Well, I'm not sure that this is the perfect recipe, but it is definitely my family's favorite.

     2 lb box of elbow pasta
     2-3 blocks of extra sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
     6-8 cups milk
     2 eggs
     salt and pepper to taste
     paprika

Cook pasta according to package instructions.  Layer pasta, cheese, pasta, cheese in 2 medium sized casserole dishes.  This is a double recipe...my family REALLY likes it alot.  In a bowl, beat eggs with a fork.  Add milk, salt, and pepper.  Pour milk mixture over pasta and cheese.  The milk should not completely cover the pasta, but be just visible as you look down through the pasta and cheese (so maybe a half inch from the top of the pasta).  Sprinkle top with paprika.

 
See the depth of the milk?

 Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes until top is lightly browned.

Plain and Simple.

Yummy!


Saturday, September 19, 2009

Nurturing Creativity

I started taking a collage class this week from the Art Association of Harrisburg.  Elaine Brady Smith is the instructor.  I love her vintage collages.  I've been creating collages and mixed media pieces for the past few years, but I think it will be fun to learn some new techniques.

Last weekend, I decided that I needed a portfolio and a tote to carry my work in progress and supplies for class.  So this is what I came up with.  I was very happy with the results.















Monday, September 7, 2009

Relaxing Labor Day

It was a nice, long weekend.  Rachael was home for three days.  We had plenty of time to visit and play cards with family.

I even found time to sew a bit.  In honor of the approaching autumn, gold was the color for the weekend.  I made a really cute little tote and a lined backpack.




 

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Shelves

I needed something to keep me busy as Ezra prepared to leave for China.  So, last Saturday I suggested to Ed that we go antiquing.  I was looking for shelves or a cupboard for my sewing room.  I wanted to be able to see my fabric stash instead of having to rummage through drawers.  We found an old beat-up "garden shelf".  It was very rough and looked like it had been outside on a porch.  But, it was exactly the right size.

So, I brought it home, cleaned it up, and painted it...white inside and light green outside.  It's made of  oak and is very heavy.  My three men grunted and groaned quite a bit while carrying it up to the sewing room.  It's just what I needed.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Together


Rachael came home from VA for the weekend. Food, fun, and games all weekend. This will be the last time that we're all together before Ezra goes to China.