Happy New Year!

While visiting my friend Heather, i noticed she had the cutest New Years greeting from here. I thought i would share it with you too. I hope you don't mind, Heather!

May the new year hold nothing but the very best for you and yours!

Happy Birthday!

Here is a picture of my mom and dad when they were dating. It's dads birthday today and he turns 79! I wonder what kind of a day it was then, as we are having a storm today with all kinds of advisories.

Already Baking Again...

Yes, it's only four days post Christmas and the goodies are gone. With all we had, i never would have imagined that! However, i sent some home with the oldest son, the younger son had other young men over, and waa-laa! Gone!!! These Chocolate Chip bars are so easy and good i thought i would share them with you!

Chocolate Chip Bars

1 c. softened butter

1 c. packed brown sugar

1 egg

1 tsp. vanilla

2 c. flour

1 pinch of salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Beat together the butter, vanilla, br.sugar, and egg. Stir in the flour and salt. Then mix the choc. chips in. Press into a prepared 9x13 pan and bake for 20 minutes or till edges start to brown (do not over-bake!). I use semi sweet chips but any will do, even butterscotch. I have even made them with Heath Baking pieces. Yum Yum!

A Very Merry Chirstmas

May you be blessed today with all the joy your heart can hold as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

More Inspiration

Here is a snapshot of one of Jayme's bedrooms. Since i can't seem to pull together my Christmas decor, i figure i might as well show you some of my favorites from others! Please visit

Jayme here.
If she lived down the road from me, we would be best buds!

Ho-Hum Bug

Now, don't go getting all excited. This is not from my home. You see, i'm having just a little glitch in my decorating scheme this year. Nothing seems to go together right. my Christmas Village that usually goes up in 4-5 hrs. took 2 days this year. i can't decide where to put my snowmen, i don't have near enough candles, and i put the small tree in the dining room instead of the family room. is that wrong....must be cause now the family room seems bare. so, i had to scrounge for the garland to put around the fire place. then i had to dig for more lights because it wasn't bright enough. see what i mean???

The above photo is inspiration from cozylittlehouse. She has the best ideas! I encourage you to stop by and visit her if you haven't already. And so, i will plug onward. Hopefully i will have something to show you soon!

Winter Art Show

Well, the big night finally came! Over to Ortonville and Java Jewel's for the Winter Art Show. What a wonderful evening! Most of the artists were in attendance and it was so much fun to get to meet and visit with all of them. They are extremely talented!!! And i do mean EXTREMELY!

As you can see there was everything from acrylics, water color and photography to quilting and fiber art.

Local writer, John Salls, read an excerpt from his new novel and graciously signed every book!

Here are two of my gal pals, Jody and Sara. Thanks you guys for sharing the evening with me, i hope you had as much fun as i did. Except i don't think that was possible!

ps-if you are ever in Ortonville, make sure you stop at Java Jewel's, the coffee and treats are out of this world!

pps-yes, the shirt is Tracy Porter.

I. Love. Tracy. Porter. Her style, photography and products are everything i wish i could incorporate into my life! I see today she has 50% off everything online. You should go there if you haven't already. you can also get to her blog from there. I would HIGHLY recommend it. Her carefree approach to style, decorating and life in general is so refreshing.

I have to say that unfortunately, i do not have a lot of her pieces. I do have one of her blouses that i am going to wear to the opening of our Winter Art Show tonight. I will try to have someone take a picture to show you tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Poem

Twas the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep. I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep.

The leftovers beckoned-the dark meat and white, but I fought the temptation with all of my might.

Tossing and turning with much anticipation, the thought of a snack became infatuation.

So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door, and gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.

Gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes.

I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.

I crashed through the ceiling, floating to the sky, with a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie.

But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...Happy eating to all-pass the cranberries, please!

I Feel a Looming Presence...

Yes! My new friend, Erlys, and I ventured over to Benson, MN to visit Diane at Swift Weavers. We spent a wonderful afternoon learning all about the looming experience. Above is Erlys working on her beautiful wall hanging.

Here is my table runner complete with buttons that were left on the recycled garments that were cut up to make this wonderful creation. I love the fact that it is the ultimate in recycling! I remember growing up we had woven rugs like this made of old denim and i swear, they NEVER wear out!

Here i am at my loom. I need lipstick or blush or something.....

Here we are together with our finished projects. Aren't they beautiful??? If you are ever over in western MN, make sure to stop in and see Diane. Her store is so special! You will find jewelry, clothing, napkins, seasonal items, drapes, coffee, any giftable item you would need! Thank you, Diane, for your knowledge and patience!

ps--does anyone see a loom in my future???

Wednesday Wonderings

Sorry i've been absent for a few days! I found this picture over at Gooseberry Patch. I want to go there and have lunch. So badly! They are such a cute company! I am off this afternoon to do something i've always wanted to try, we'll see how it goes! Stay tuned!

Side note: if anyone has one of those: "How to be a perfect parent, have all the answers, know exactly what to say and do to raise healthy, happy, well-adjusted, successful children" books, PLEASE send me a copy.

Thoughtless Thursday

"November comes and November goes,

With the last red berries, and the first white snows.

With night coming early, and the dawn coming late,

And ice on the bucket and frost by the gate.

The fires burn and the kettles sing,

and the earth sinks to rest

until next spring."

--Elizabeth Coatsworth

Stinkin' Cute

So over the weekend, i'm searchin' the web for some new little do-dad to whip up. I came across wine gift bags made from old denim! And, i say to myself--I have old denim. I can do that. So i did. i gotta tell you, i had to text a girlfriend right away. Isn't the little pocket on the front just the sweetest thing you ever did see??? I put a vintage hankie inside, but it would be great to stick in a cork screw, coffee spoons, candy, ect. And, instead of wine, you could put in gourmet cooking oil, or bubble bath. The taller bottles from Avon would work superb! And, you could use any ribbon like plaid for Christmas or polka dot for birthday. Can you tell my mind is just in a whirl? If you would like to have one of these for yourself, just let me know they are $6 plus shipping. I can do them for ANY occasion!

It's Almost Time

For the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Do you have your costume ready???

Must Try Recipe

Yum-O! I hadn't made this recipe for awhile and forgot how absolutely yummy it was! Really, you must give it a whirl.

Chicken Divan

2 lg. chicken breasts, cut and browned in yer pan

2 10-oz. bags frozen veggies, (broccoli,carrots & cauliflower), cooked and drained

2 cans cream of chicken soup

3/4 c. mayo (not Miracle Whip)

1 tsp. lemon juice

1 c. shredded cheddar

1c. seasoned bread crumbs

2 Tsp. butter

Put your cooked veggies in a 9x13. layer the chicken on top. Mix your soup, mayo, and lemon juice. Pour over top. sprinkle cheese on next. in another small bowl melt the butter and mix in bread crumbs. sprinkle on top. bake at 350 degrees for 40 min. Then try not to eat the whole pan. :)

Thoughtless Thursday

The last beautiful rosebuds of the summer.....

Feel Good Monday

I discovered Susan Mroseks' art a few years ago. They make me feel good and smile every time i happen to glance up at them from my desk. The one above reads: Our faces were unrecognizable: cherry red gums, cavernous wrinkles trailing from our eyes, overworked nostrils stuck in a permanent flair. We had finally laughed ourselves to death.
I love this one because most days i can relate.....Hysteria...it's an acquired taste.

How delightfully rich is one's mind, when doused in hope and left overnight to seed. You can find many more of Susan's works here. Enjoy!

Catching Rays

Yesterday afternoon i took a few minutes to sit out front. usually i sit on the back deck, but the front faces the west and it was so nice and warm with the sun shining. "they" said it would be the last really nice day and "they" were right since i woke up this morning to grey drizzle. i enjoyed a cup of hot cider and broke open my new Country Living.
Ever made Cranberry Pie? Me neither. Sounds kinda good. May have to give it a try for Thanksgiving. Sounds festive, don't you agree? If it turns out you can bet i will share the recipe with you!

A Little Off

For those of you who know me, this in no huge revelation. I went all thru yesterday thinking it was Thursday. Hence the Thoughtless Thursday post. To my great astonishment and utter amazement, the newscaster this morning told me it was Thursday today! Super! I guess i get to do it twice. I probably needed a catch up day anyway!

So. Today. Thursday. I am going to dedicate to you! See the wonderful mosaic i found just for you! I want to say 'thank you' to everyone who checks me out. I absolutely love your comments! I absolutely love when someone new 'follows' me! I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Feel it right here in my little pea pickin' heart! Makes me wiggle my toes! You get the idea. So, my wish for you today is to have a wonderful Thursday!

Thoughtless Thursday

"Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed."

--Robert H. Schuller

The Poetry of our Homes

"Clutter is the poetry of our homes. It is an intimate view that is not

always perfect-a few dishes in the sink,

books piled next to the bed.

Everything in its place may give a certain satisfaction, but a

lived-in room exudes comfort and warmth."

--Mary Randolph Carter

I must have a very comfortable and warm home according to Mary! I do need to get this cleaned off today. soon there will be no place to set my coffee. Heaven forbid....hang on, i think i need a warm up.

In Lust

I gotta tell ya. really. aren't these the absolute cutest crocheted pieces ever??? why, oh, why do i have to come across these things??? I was visiting Lucy over at attic24. She's the one that MADE me order the Japanese crochet book. Remember i made the octagon blanket?
And, now she tells me there is another one. Lord have mercy!!! Honestly, why doesn't anyone in the good old US of A have cute patterns like this? i certainly can't find them.

Another octagon blanket! Just look at the brightness! Takes my breath away. i foresee a new book in my future....

Wonderful Wednesday

Sorry for the lateness of the post, having trouble uploading photos. not sure if it was me or blogger. probably me. anyway, what a wonderful Wednesday i had! The first stop was at The Country Peddler in Brookings SD. I tried to photograph the cool orange J.Jill coat i got (among other things) but it wouldn't show well on a hanger. then i laid it on a chair. that wasn't too hot either. so, i will just have to put it on and have someone take a picture later tonight. i guess you know what tomorrows blog will be. Then Linda and i grabbed some ice cream at DQ and strolled thru McCrory Gardens located on the campus of South Dakota State University.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this tree! It is a Salix Rigida or 'American McKay'. The sign said it was useful for making baskets. I really don't want to make a basket (already done that, not my calling), but i do want to plant one of these at my farm. Problem is: I don't have a farm. A girl can dream can't she??? i have this whole list of trees and shrubs and vines and bushes that will be on my farm. Just as soon as i get one....

Pampas Grass (spelling?) by the fountain. I tell ya, the pathways here are gorgeous! You simply have to visit if you are up in the area.

Thoughtless Thursday

"I can envision a small cottage somewhere, with a lot of writing paper, and a dog, and a fireplace and maybe enough money to give myself some Irish coffee now and then and entertain my two friends."--Lt. Richard Van de Geer

To find out where i was yesterday come back tomorrow! Also, a thank you to Heather who wins one of my goodie-filled treat bags! You can visit Heather here. Heather, please email me your address so i can get it on its way. Oh yes-my favorite pie: Rhubarb Custard! but, i like coconut too!

Leaves and Sunshine

This Autumn quilt is so beautiful as a table cloth. And, yes, it does get spilled upon. This time it was mac & cheese. First my son, then me! Oh, well. It is washable and nice things are meant to be used. It got left out on the deck table from this weekend and i thought the dappled sunshine falling on it created such a neat effect.
There are some "real" leaves on it too. Leaves on leaves....

Happy Fall Ya'll

Here is a picture of the hutch in my kitchen. I like to change the decor every season. quite pleased with this year's autumn endeavor.
I try to use multi-seasonal items in my displays. For instance, the red apples might show up in a Christmas display. Or, the blue and clear canning jars may be included in a July 4th corner. That way i get lots of different looks with some of the same items. That may lead one to think i don't need as much "stuff". Oh, how wrong one might be....

I like these little guys daring you to sneak a treat!

Buttermilk Pie In The Sky & Give Away

Hello. My name is Connie and i'm a magazine-aholic. I save them from year to year. And, yes i rotate them every season (my husband thinks i need a job), and page thru them for different decorating ideas and recipes that i haven't yet tried. I see nothing strange about paging thru a magazine from 2005. Or older. There. I have confessed.

I also confess i have not baked a Buttermilk pie. That is not until last week. It was in the Oct. 2007 Country Home. The article by author Patty Pinner, reads: "Mama's cousin Sister Baby was a real contrast in womanhood. She could cook and clean like an angel, then hang up her apron, slip into a tight dress, and raise the roof with the best of them. Sister Baby's Buttermilk Pie revealed her stay-at-home side but also her spunk". No, the picture below is not of Sister Baby, it just reminded me of Buttermilk Pie. Don't ask why, i have no clue.

Sister Baby's Buttermilk Pie
1 pie crust (mine comes from the store)
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
3 eggs
1 Tbsp. flour
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp finely shredded orange peel

Beat sugar, butter and eggs until well combined. Beat in flour, then buttermilk and vanilla til well mixed. Stir in orange peel. Pour filling into the pie crust. Bake at 350 for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and the center still has a little wiggle to it. Cool before serving. Store in fridge.

Side note- while very tasty, this isn't my favorite. Does anyone wanna guess what kind of pie is my favorite? Leave me a comment with your guess and let me know what your favorite is and i will pick a random winner on Oct. 14th. I'll send that winner a little something from yesterdays blog!