Flying Geese

The quilt top is finally finished! I'm getting more experimental with quilting designs. This is one that I have long desired to make. Mum suggested that I head the geese going both directions. I think I may name this quilt, North and South. That seems like a very appropriate name.

Beautiful Babies of 2008

Miss Abigail has a cunning personality. She loves to pose for the camera.

Miss Leah -Isaac, my cousin and his wife's first baby. They say she hardly ever cries and is very content to sit on anyone's lap.

Master Jace must have inherited a desire to explore from his adventurous parents.

Monday's Ice Claims Tuesday's Classes

Friends have been wondering when we would get our yearly dousing of ice/snow here in northeastern Oklahoma. Betty Gram emphatically stated that she wished the ice/snow storm would soon come and go. If you are smart person you'll stay off the roads and safely home. I like to be curled up at home. It's nice to have a reprieve from classes. I don't mind not having to lug my heavy backpack across the parking lots and from class to class. Ice, I will admit does have advantages. But I feel very much for those who have no choice but to commute.

Colorful Potato Soup

If you are like me, a good hot soup is appropriate on an icy Winter's day. Potatoes, cabbage, red onion and celery sitting very lonely in our refrigerator seem to be saying, "Make me into a nice soup, please" and so they became a nice soup for when Mum gets home from work. I always like colorful food with lots of flavor. Here's how it went (though I'll leave the amounts out...everyone is different so make as much or as little as you like).

Colorful Potato Soup

Chop and Saute until tender:
Red Onion
Celery
Cabbage
Boiled Potatoes

Add:
Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
Salt
Pepper
Caraway Seeds or
Parsley

When vegetables have become tender then add:
1 part chicken broth
1 part heavy cream or milk

Simmer. Serve with parmesan and toasted bread. Enjoy!

"Friends Through the Years"

That was the theme on January 17, when our church hosted the revealing Secret Sister's luncheon. Jonnah and I met in 2007. Mum and I hosted a really fun baby shower for Jonnah, who was then, new to the U.S., newly married and a new mother. I am glad to count her as one of my friends...and we both just happen to like polka dots!

Betty Gram's Sewing Cupboard Comes Home

All my fabric and sewing paraphernalia is safely stashed in this cupboard I purchased from Betty Gram, today. Mum and I made two trips across town in my little car, "Silver Lining". My fabric has been taking up lots of space in corners of the dining room and now it is nice to have the dining room free for future dinner parties.

Fabric waiting to be made into gifts for friends and family. Don't you love the lobster fabric in the middle? I get such a kick out of that fabric. I am looking forward to incorporating the hearts into a project. Any suggestions?

Patchwork everywhere! I group fabric by color and then make patchwork based around that color scheme. I was delighted to have found two batches left over from previous quilt tops. There will be enough to make some baby quilts for friends.

Yarn for future gifts and quilt batting.

Inspirations

Kind friends if you happen upon any 1940's remake clothing or shoes sites, please send a note my way. I am always on the look out for fashion ideas, as you know.

Missing Shilpa and Jace

Shilpa I hope that the month hurries along and you'll be home soon from your overseas travels and to hear how things have gone with you. You would be so proud of me! I have been experimenting more with red pepper in cooking and my tolerance for "spicey" things is increasing. Safe traveling back to Oklahoma, next month. We've missed you!

College Takes Time

Generally, I work for Betty Gram on M-W-F, but due to my expanding college schedule, studying, cello and other obligations, I had to reduce it to two days and then just to Mondays. As of today, Betty Gram will find someone else to be her maid. This really makes me sad. But there are positive sides to this dissappointment. Betty Gram has just had a big auction of many collectables and antiques and her house is looking very nice and uncrowded. I'll share some pics soon, perhaps. This photo was taken before she re-arranged her bedroom (all by herself at 86). Can you believe that!

Vintage Manners Books

I am really enjoying re-reading some of the vintage manners and personality developement books my Grandmother left me and also ones I have found here and there. Last night I was especially amused by this excerpt from a 1939 book entitled, "Building Your Personality" by Hattie Marie Marsh.

"Diet

If the skin is to retain its flexibility and softness, a careful diet is indispensible. One doctor expressed this idea thus: "Your skin is made of absolutely nothing but what you eat". Another said, "When it comes to complexions--handsome is as handsome eats". These statements are true. For instance, in order that oil glands of the skin may function to keep the skin soft and resilent, milk and butter must be included in the diet. Every girl should eat the following foods daily, if she wishes to retain a youthful clear skin:
A glass of orange juice or tomato juice
A quart of milk
An ounce of butter
One egg
A raw vegetable
A raw or cooked fruit
Yeast
Fish liver oil"

So, the next time your friends or family say you shouldn't be eating butter...just tell them it's good for your complexion.

Highlights of Youth Convention

Enjoying the Hotel's serene atmostphere, which included a water fall, indoor garden and stream with fish.

Bonding time. Here Erica and Harley are primping for church.

My Best Friend and Elyssa.

Patricia, Kelly and Victoria.

Miko is Like Tricky Woo

This is the "Her Royal Highness", Miko. She is walked and bathed three times a week for Betty Gram. I found Miko a lovely Scandinavian sweater to wear out and about...so we've tossed the thread bare one out the door! Miko reminds me a great deal of Tricky Woo in the All Creatures Great and Small Episodes.

Mum's Christmas Presents

Cheerful red check and vintage fabric cafe curtains, placemats and napkins.

Praying the New Year In

I am so blessed to have gained the friendship of Glory and her sweet familiy. We prayed the New Year in together. She was raised in the Apostolic faith in India. I believe, we are destined to become long time friends.

Happy New Year Everyone!