End of Year and a Gift

Today was the last day of school for my grand daughter.  She had her celebration and said good bye to her teacher, Mrs. Nelson.   Sevrine has enjoyed the year and loved having Rayden in her class.  She also attends church with her so this has made for a great friendship.  I started the lace on Friday and finished the piece on Tuesday.  We have a fun summer ahead with swimming, crafts, and lots of reading so she will be ready for first grade.

Catching Up and a TUSAL

Today is the new moon and time to post my ORT jar.  I was fortunate to be able to stitch quite a bit earlier this month while visiting DH in Maryland.  I made some head way on "O Jerusalem" which has motivated me to keep at it.

I finished this to give to my SIL, Regina while I was visiting DH.  I have appreciated Steve and Regina including Ric in many of their families activities. It helps knowing there is family for him to be with while I am still in Arizona.

The first weekend we traveled south to Richmond to pick up Marissa. We then went to Colonial Williamsburg to visit the town. I enjoyed the reinactments, palace and capital with all the history that was covered. Even though we spent the day, we didn't see everything that was offered. I was disappointed with the weaving and dyeing exhibit. The woman didn't have much information and kept making excuses to what she was really showing.

While we were visiting Marissa, she gave us a private tour of the VA Capital. She has 24 hour access because of her job with the Lt. Governor. It was nice to see all of the artwork and the model of Thomas Jefferson's original capital building.  We loved the history that is so apart of the beginning of this country there in Richmond.

The last weekend we went into DC to catch the Cherry Blossom festival.  We had a big storm blow through on Thursday so it wasn't as nice as it could have been.  It was pretty, non the less, and a nice walk around the Tidal Basin. The 16 days went way too fast and it was hard to leave.  I did enjoy the time with Ric and I put my Kindle to good use.

Spring Stitching and April TUSAL

It is beginning to look a lot like Spring around here.  I have been working on booties for all the new babies that are due this month and the next. The little ducks will go to Sevrine's Kindergarten class.  You can't look at the brite little ducks and not think that it is almost Easter.

With April's new moon, it is time to post my progress on the TUSAL.  I have made progress on the "Come Unto Christ" and a finish to the "Irish Blessing" have added a little color to the jar.  I should get a lot of time to stitch in the next few weeks sense I am taking a much needed break to visit my DH. (the Bunny pair are Lizzie Kate's and were  done last year)

An Irish Blessing and Family Recipe

I finished this piece this week for Saint Patricks day.  The pattern can be found on the Leisure Arts blog. I can always use a blessing and shamrocks for luck. It was done with the required DMC threads and Linen.

I am not a big fan of corn beef.  My mother in law fixed this casserole for St. Patricks day and I liked the combination of flavors. (Bacon makes a lot of things taste better) The left overs are even better.

Corn Beef Noodle Casserole

1 tin of corn beef
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1/2 lb. bacon, cut into pieces
2-3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 med. onion, chopped
16 oz. bag of egg noodles.
1 cup cheddar cheese
Cook egg noodles and set aside. (I used about 4 cups cooked)

Fry bacon until crisp-tender. Remove from pan. Drain all but 2 Tbsp. fat. Add chopped vegetables. Cook until tender.  In a casserole dish, combine corn beef, cream of mushroom soup, bacon, and vegetables. Add egg noodles. Top with cheddar cheese.  Bake for 25-30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

February Stitching and March TUSAL

It's that time again to post progress for the Month.  The TUSAL is slowly filling with this month's orts.  I"ve added to the browns and golds from "O Jerusalem" with reds and greens from this months stitching. I worked up hearts and gave them away before I got a picture.  The Sampler is a freebie I had on file from the Leisure Arts page and I have wanted to add to my Saint Patrick's day decorations. I am also working on a "Come Unto Christ" for a gift to a family member and need to have it done by the end of the month. 

I got invited to a surprise baby shower earlier in the month and put these together for the new mother.  I need to get more done sense there are a few more babies due in April. 

This month's book club book, "Girl in Blue Dress", by Gaynor Arnold, is a story based loosely on the wife of Charles Dickens. So far it has been a great story. The events of his life are true and it is interesting to see how this influenced his writing. Now I am eager to read and re-read some of his books.  I do feel a bit sad for his wife and how she was treated through the years.

A Little Celebration

I had a Birthday this week.  I had a full day with my DUP Convention (Daughter's of the Utah Pioneers), my stitch group, a trip to Mesa and dinner with Colleen and Sevrine.  I had so many comments on Facebook that kept my phone pinging all day.  I sure appreciate all the goodies and flowers that I found on my doorstep when I got home.

I got a Kindle for my Birthday.  This has been on my wish list for a while.  Kristen has been raving about her's and answered many questions I had about the e-reader.  I immediately made a cover for it.  I liked how it turned out and made a matching bag to put my knitting in for when I am on the go. 

February'sTUSAL

It is time to post my progress for February's TUSAL.  The details are on Daffycat's blog.  I have been working on "O Jerusalem" and it is a slow process.  I have a couple of small hearts I am doing and will post them when they are finished.  The snow people is a pre-blog piece.  I have the companion to it in my WIP's.

 Today Sevrine came home with her Groundhog. This is a so cute.  It will grow hair like a Chia Pet.