I hope life goes on

This is a very difficult post for me to write. Just when I thought things were improving, my world crashed around me. Although it has been expected more than once over the past few years, my husband died on September 11, 2010. It has been a very long road through the illnesses he was suffering from and I can gain some peace in knowing his pain is finally over. To the nurses who have cared for him, thank you so much. I am just now starting to pick up the pieces of my life and see what I will make of it now. To those of you who have been sending condolences and support, thank you so very much. I find it tough to put two coherent thoughts together, but hope that this will clear sooner rather than later. I have hopes of getting my business back in order and thank all of you for your patience and understanding.

Well, Life Got In The Way

I really was going to do the blog challenge, honest I was, but life got in the way. Hubs had a very bad time of it and has spent the last six days in the CCU at the local hospital. He is improving and is now on a regular floor as of yesterday. So between working and running to the hospital, writing was the last thing on my mind.

Yesterday, the weather was perfect, my mind was settled a bit knowing hubs was stable and I started a project. You mean any normal person wouldn't do that? Hmmmmmm..........

Well, I did it anyway and had a lot of fun! The essential oils are out, my house smells wonderful and I will have something new for everyone very soon! Watch out, world, I'm back ! (I hope)
Edited to add - there is a great contest going on at Mama's Pocketbook's blog. The chance to design your dream purse AND have it made up by Diane, purse maker extrordinaire! http://www.mamaspocketbook.blogspot.com
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

Taking Up A New Challenge

I am taking part in an exercise to improve my blogging, 31 Days to Building A Better Blog. If you are feeling adventurous, come on over and join in, http://www.31daysblogchallenge.com/

Today's assignment is to come up with an 'elevator pitch' for my blog. I would love your feedback on this. Does it tell you about what I will be writing about? Do you think there's a better way to put it? Any and all suggestions will be appreciated (well, within reason I guess I should say).

So are you ready?

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri is all about taking what nature has given us and incorporating it into our daily lives to feel better, physically and emotionally, through aromatherapy. It doesn't have to be mysterious and scary, it can be as simple as putting a sachet in your purse to sniff when you are feeling stressed out. Easy, yes. Does it work? You bet. Come and take a fragrant fragrance journey with me.

Well, there's my elevator pitch. Does it tell you what I want to share? How can I say this better?

Pat

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri

Rainy days and Mondays make me cry

Rainy days and Mondays make me cry - and today we have a double whammy! A rainy Monday morning, yuck. I am not looking forward to running around in this all day, sigh.
Hope you have been over to my friend Lisa's blog. An amazing give away - drawing is today, if you hurry you may make it. http://www.palepinkandroses.typepad.com
It is that magic time of year when the garden is producing like crazy and time is short to get everything picked and stored for the winter ahead. I like to take my fresh herbs, chop them up (not too fine) put a bit in each compartment of an ice cube tray and cover with water or oil and freeze. When they are frozen, pop them into a plastic container or freezer bag and store to use as needed. Fresh garden herbs all winter long!
Don't forget to take a few of your favorite tea herbs and dry them for some yummy tea all winter long. Chamomile, peppermint, lemon verbena are just a few. Just read some tea labels for inspiration!
And it is elderberry harvest time. You know I'm going to tell you to get those dried and ready for winter. You can tincture those or make a yummy syrup or jelly with these little gems. Wonderful for warding off the flu bug.
Has everyone been celebrating Leave a Zucchini on Your Neighbor's Porch and Run Week? Those squash sure are plentiful.
It is Team Week for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. My family and I are looking to have the biggest team yet. Justin's Jungle Joggers has grown each year to amazing heights. My daughter is quite the recruiter and fund raiser! Visit the JDRF website to read about all their good works.
Have a great week all,
Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

Zucchini Blog Party

I am participating in a Zucchini Blog Party! Any excuse for some blog time fun, right? So, here's the deal - I'm posting a zucchini recipe and will list the other participating bloggers so you can check out some more recipes for the abundance of zucchini that is hitting right about now. The freezer runneth over!

One of my favorite ways to serve zucchini (aside from bread and muffins, lol) is

Stuffed Zucchini

Take a few small zucchini and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop out a hollow, not too deep. There will be very few seeds in the small zucchini so not to worry. Coarsely chop what you have scooped out. Add some breadcrumbs (about a cup), I like them seasoned with Italian seasonings, and about a half cup of grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.

In a large skillet, saute a chopped onion and a clove or two of chopped garlic in a bit of olive oil. Add 5 or 6 large tomatoes, chopped (or a can of tomatoes), fresh oregano, fresh basil, salt and pepper to taste. Simmer about 5 minutes, then lay the scooped out zucchini cut side down on the simmering sauce and cover for 10-15 minutes or until the zucchini is fork tender. Flip cut side up, loosely fill the hollow with the zucchini/breadcrumb/cheese mixture, spoon some of the sauce on top of each. You can add some grated mozzarella cheese on top if you like, cover and simmer until heated through and, if you added mozzarella, the cheese has melted.

Nice served with pasta.

Here is a link to a wonderful Zucchini Fritter recipe (can't wait to try this one)

http://birdworms.com//2010/07/21/zucchini-fritters/

And here's one for zucchini bread recipes - even a chocolate zucchini bread, bet this is a great one too!

http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.com/2005/07/couple-zucchini-bread-recipes.html

Enjoy!

They're Back

I was perusing my little corner of the woods through my back window while having my coffee the other morning and was wondering why I haven't see the wild turkeys in a while. Well, guess who showed up today?

Yes, indeed, there they were searching for bugs and whatever it is that wild turkeys look for and the male and female moved and, lo and behold, four little turkey croquettes! (I really don't know what you call a baby turkey). While I was trying to get a shot of everyone together, Super Chuck showed up. Guess he's a bit out of sorts being he hasn't been a feature here in a while. Everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame, I guess.

And last but not least, will you take a look at how big and healthy the fawns are getting. So cute, but so dopey. One hit his head on the fence board trying to get into the corral. He's a typical adolescent, spatial relationships are all off.

Wish I could figure out how to shoot through the screen without distorting things so. Sorry, but you can see what's there!

I have started a new job this week as a visiting nurse for Hospice, after one week of orientation, I think I am going to love this job! I'm looking forward to a new week.

Talk to you all soon,

Pat

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

All The News That's Fit To Print!

I know, a bit unusual for me to post mid week, but there is just so much news to share that I deemed it a necessary post! So, are you ready......
The Annual Christmas in July Shop Hop begins Friday, July 16. Just go to the site and register. The shopping bags are hidden in each of the participating boutiques. You must be registered so they will be tallied and you will be eligible for some amazing prizes. Don't miss out on the fun! Register now! You can just click on the logo above to go register!

Also on Friday, July 16, is our regularly scheduled Make Pine Pink Friday~wow! This week's theme is Simply Pink. Well, hey, this should be one of the most participated in and most shopped Friday in a while! What a great theme, who knows what pink wonders will be showing up! You can click on the above logo to go to the Pink Friday page, but no items for sale there until Friday!And last but not least (yes I know how big that banner is but I don't want you to lose interest) is the monthly Pink Twilight Sale on Saturday, July 17. This is a fast paced sale with bargains galore. You just never now what will be showing up on the site, items are added throughout the night. If you don't move quickly, you may miss out on such a deal! (take it from one who has lost out on a few). This logo will take you there if you click on it, but again - these items won't be posted until 6PM Saturday evening (yup, we really do wait until twilight) when they magically appear.
Please join Patrica Rose and all the participating boutiques for these fun filled events. Can't wait to see you there. Good luck on the Shop Hop, hope your pink fantasies come true at Make Mine Pink Friday and you find the deal of the year at the Twilight Sale.
Also wanted to mention that the Pink Slipper Project has been featured on the Lion Brand Yarn newsletter - how cool is that?? If you would like to help promote this worthy cause, you can add the widget to your blog or website just by clicking on the Pink Slipper Link over on the right of this post! (Awww, go ahead, it only takes a minute to add and such a good cause).

Pat
Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

Romantic Weekend

It has been an absolutely gorgeous and romantic weekend of wedding festivities for my family and I. We traveled to Saratoga Springs, New York for the wedding of my youngest son. All the love and romance in the air was delightful. We stayed at a wonderful facility, Longfellows, that was so convenient and the staff was wonderful. If you are ever in the vicinity, I would recommend them. Saratoga Springs is a nice little town with lots of sightseeing and shops to occupy you. It was a great weekend!

My Four Children,

My Husband and I

The Happy Newlyweds

My Family

(we clean up pretty good!)

So that's what has had me running in circles for the past few weeks. So happy we were able to all be there, made for some special memories.

Pat

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com

Countdown to the Wedding

We are on the countdown to the wedding here at Patricia Rose. My youngest son is getting married on Friday, 7/9/10. This is not going on without a bit of drama, however. Son managed to require a trip to the emergency room this past week which stopped all of our hearts for a few hours. He appears to be fine now and we are watching him to be sure he behaves himself between now and Friday. At any rate, preparations are in high gear.

I was so pleased to have the kids ask me to paint their toasting glasses. I managed to find some gorgeous vintage crystal goblets and have put the bride's colors in the flowers. Hope they like them!

This week's Make Mine Pink Friday theme is Coastal and Casual Chic. Sounds like this could be fun. Due to the wedding, Patricia Rose will not be participating but please make sure to visit all the other boutiques that are. I will be participating the following Friday as usual.

Don't forget the Make Mine Pink Christmas in July Shop Hop is almost here-starts July 16. If you haven't registered, it is time to go do that now. Lots of boutiques participating and the prizes are amazing!

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Make Mine Pink Pink Twilight Sale as well. This is held the third Saturday of every month. They keep getting better and better. The selection is huge and the pace is fast. There's not a lot of time to think about your purchases. I missed out on a few really amazing deals by waiting, darn! So, July 17 is the date for that. 6PM until midnight and new things are put up all night long!

There will be a few changes to the Patricia Rose website in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for some exciting news. There will also be a few contests going on that you won't want to miss.

So until next week, have a great 'short' week, stay cool -

Pat

Patricia Rose-A Potpourri of Fabric, Fragrance and Findings

Short and Sweet

This is going to have to be a short and sweet blog tonight. It has been a particularly stressful week for some reason and I didn't accomplish half of what I set out to. I want to remind everyone about the Christmas in July Shop Hop, make sure you get registered so you will be ready to find those shopping bags first thing!

I put together a little summer fun kit that will be for sale on my website this week. Here's a great rainy day project for the kids. A charm kit with a ribbon necklace and a sweet little plastic heart trinket box. Have fun collecting tiny flowers and leaves and grasses and press them in a phone book. Then on a rainy day, you are all set to make a glamorous one of a kind charm. Each kit comes with two charm trays, two resin drops to seal your creation and two ribbon and cord 16inch necklaces with a lobster claw clasp, one pink and one white.

It's a fun project and choosing just the right flowers to have pressed and ready to go is another fun project in itself. I have pressed some rose petals and use them as the background for my flowers, I liked the muted velvety look. This is a floret of Queen Anne's Lace with a sprinkling of fairy dust. Oh, okay, it's German glass glitter but I like to pretend!

So that is it for this week, sweet friends. Wasn't as short as I thought! Once I get going it's hard to stop. Have a wonderful week.

Hugs,

Pat

Of 6 year olds and old dogs

I got this via email today and just wanted to share it with everyone. Out of the mouths of babes!

A DOG'S PURPOSE (from a 6 year old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a 10 year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners Ron, his wife, Lisa and their 6 year old son, Shane were very attached to the dog and were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there was nothing we could do for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for their old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from this experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept the transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death and wondered about the sad fact that animal's lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why".

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life--like loving everybody and being nice, right?"

The six year old continued, " Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.

Live generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if the dog were the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, get up and run and greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days,stop to lay on your back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If you want what lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

And so to the the very wise 6year old who spoke these thought provoking words and the veterinarian who wrote the rest, thank you. I wish I could give you credit, I just love this essay.

If anyone knows who wrote this, please let me know so I can give credit.

May we all learn something from our little fur babies.

Hugs,

Pat

Memorial Day Weekend Is Here

These weeks are just flying by and here we are-Memorial Day weekend, the official start of summer time fun. This is always a bit melancholy for me thinking about all the servicemen in the past and all the young men and women who are out there right this minute as we have our barbecues. Many of my family have served, many of my high school friends served and so many of my children's friends are in the service of our country right now, my prayers and gratitude for them and their comrades that they stay safe through whatever they are facing right now. To all of you here at home, please have a safe weekend with the driving and fun times.

This week at Patricia Rose, have a few frilly and fancy things coming out. This week's Make Mine Pink Friday theme is Girly Finds. Can you imagine what we will see in the boutiques this week? Should be pretty awesome. Here is what I'm working on, in various stages of undone. Will be all pulled together by Friday, make sure to stop back and see what femininity shows up here!

Plans are already afoot for the Christmas in July Shop Hop. You know how much fun these are and what amazing prizes are available to be won. Mark your calendars, don't forget, see the logo off to the right? Just click right on there and it will take you to the Shop Hop Page to see the doings.

I showed you a few weeks ago the large doe that was coming in for coffee every morning. She had disappeared for about a week, then came back again but was very cautious and stayed close to the woods line. Well, look who has finally made an appearance! The picture is not very good but this little one moves so fast, there's no time for a redo. The fawn pops out, Mama makes a strange sound, stamps a foot and baby scampers back into hiding.

Have a wonderful week. It's a short one anyway, makes the weekend that much closer.

Hugs,

Pat

A Tisket, A Tasket, Take a Look At This Basket!

I went to my future daughter in laws wedding shower on Saturday. We had a lovely day to travel and the trip was beautiful but a bit long due to traffic. My daughter, daughter in law, two granddaughters and myself were at the event. Just wanted to show you what I did up for a gift.

Each glass is a different flower, I used small doilies which can be used as coasters to pad between the glasses and beneath them all is a really nice bottle of wine! With the glasses having different flowers on each, no need for wine glass charms. I have not had luck with those, they always break or get lost! The glasses were a hit. I even got several orders for them while at the shower. Good thing I never leave home without my business cards, lol! If you would like a basket of glasses as a gift, just let me know. I can't ship the wine though, there are regulations about shipping alcohol that I just don't know about. It was fun to be dabbling in my paints again. I haven't done much painting outside of walls for quite awhile. Hmmmm, maybe a few flowers at chair rail height in the kitchen. What do you think?

Sunday we are going to a Christening for the cutest little new neighbor. She is the sweetest, happiest baby and her parents are pretty special too. It is fun to see the younger generation coming into the neighborhood. Keeps everything lively and fun. Hope to be able to take this little bundle of sweetness for a walk now and then this summer.

Have a wonderful week all,

Pat

Some New Visitors to the Garden!

Had a good chuckle this morning over coffee. Watching out the window by my new 'office' space (read nook) in the kitchen, there are two baby groundhogs cavorting around and being just silly little toddlers. I will probably not be so benevolent about them when they start eating the garden, but on this gorgeous Sunday morning, they make me smile. I have been trying to get a photo of them but they are very camera shy (or maybe people shy). So, I guess Super Chuck was actually Super Charlene! The other happy news from the back yard is I do believe I have a bluebird making her nest in one of our bluebird boxes! I love when they come back, they are the most amazing shade of blue. Will steer clear of that corner for a bit and let Mama bird relax and get her brood going. Wish I could let the ducks continue to have fun in the pool, but this is really going over the top and taking advantage of our hospitality, lol! They are just going to have to move across the street to the pond.

I know I keep saying this, but the kitchen is quite nearly done. This week for absolute sure! I am just loving the new look, and can see what it will be now. What a huge difference! Just what I needed. So in spite of all the work, I'm glad I tackled this project! I feel so competent that I pulled this off with just a bit of help from my taller than me son!

We had a wonder Pink Twilight Sale last night at Make Mine Pink. This is a sale held every third Saturday of the month. What great bargains, but, man, you have to move fast! I tried for two different batches of vintage buttons and they were gone before I could get them clicked! Watch for the announcements for June's sale. It is really fun and fast paced. New things are added from 6PM until midnight, you just never know what will show up next.

The theme for this coming week's Make Mine Pink Friday Sale is Teatime and Roses. There are sure some marvelous themes this year. I'm enjoying each and every one of them. Be sure to check in on Friday, 12AM to Midnight (Eastern Time).

I do believe that is the news for today. Have a wonderful week,

Pat

Progress is Being Made!

Hi Friends,

I was overly optimistic when I thought I would be able to get my kitchen redone in a week. The wallpaper is coming off in confetti sized pieces - what a mess. Now at the two week mark, I think some major progress is being made. One of my son's has pitched in and is scraping the areas that I can't reach without a ladder, thank heavens. So here are a few pictures of what is happening here.......

back door with it's new coat of white enamel, see the window on the right with the old paint? That's the old wall paper on the walls. Loved it, but now it's just too dark. I need some light now.

Here's one of the windows with it's new white enamel finish, but still, the old wallpaper!!Here's the back door with the white woodwork and the first coat of my new yellow walls - love it!Here's my son, Mike, scraping the wall areas that are too high for me.

here's the mess on the floor that all the scraping is leaving!

Look at the size of the pieces--arghhh! Surely could use a cleaning crew here.

So this is my all consuming project, I cannot stand the chaos any longer. At least I can now see some light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully, by next week, I may have some after photos that show the finished room (cross your fingers for me).

Did everyone have fun at the Mother's Day Shop Hop? I have to run over and see if any of my customers have won, is it you???? It was a fun week, I really enjoy the Shop Hops. It was fun to see the excitement and see what all the boutiques had put on special for Mother's Day.

Don't miss this week's Make Mine Pink Friday. The theme is Color Me Pink. Well, do I have to tell you that this is going to be spectacular? I'll see you there in the race to get the best pink treasures.

Have a wonderful spring time week. I really need to get out to the gardens as soon as this kitchen is done, they are being terribly neglected. See you soon,

Pat

A Busy Week Ahead

Well, the best laid plans go astray. The kitchen is not finished by a long shot. One thing after another kept cropping up during the week conspiring to keep me from my appointed rounds with the paint brush. Well, the kitchen is not going any where, so I will continue this project this week.

The annual Make Mine Pink Mother's Day Shop Hop has begun. Make sure you go register and start finding those shopping bags. Find the shopping bags to win some wonderful prizes while you do your shopping for Mother's Day. It's fun, it's easy and no purchase necessary. Always a good time! Just click on the above logo to go register.

This week's Make Mine Pink Friday theme is Blossoms and Blooms. The boutiques will be welcoming spring with a plethora of flowers! You don't want to miss this one!

Other fun news this week, there is a great give away going on over at My Hydrangea Home. An absolutely gorgeous hand crafted tassel of your choice to be given away in a few days, don't miss your chance at winning one of these.

I read a nifty trick this week over at the Essential Herbal site. You can pick some fresh lilacs. Remove the blossoms and add them to some sugar in a closed container overnight. The sugar will pick up the lilac fragrance and is a lovely addition to herbal tea. I tried it and it is really nice. A little sip of spring time.

As you do your planting this month, try a little catnip. Talk about your multipurpose herb. First off, ants are not terribly fond of this and it does an excellent job of repelling the little pesties. Second, catnip tea is wonderful. Dry your own, keep in an air tight container and you're all set to brew a cup when you want. Third, your cat will flip (literally) over this. Again, dry and put in little play things for your furbaby. Cats aren't picky about the way their catnip is delivered. Just tie some up in a muslin bag and watch the fun begin!

This week, I was spending a lot of time visiting with my hubby at the nursing home and had some time to get in some crocheting. Look at what I have come up with! They will go on the website today at some point and will be sold with a lovely jar of bath salts. Perfect pampering gift for Mom or yourself. These rose bath scrubbies are made of 100% cotton, hand crafted by moi and are nice for gentle exfoliation.

Well, I best be off for now to tackle the painting. Hope to have some kitchen photos for you next week (cross your fingers for me). Have a wonderful week,

Pat

Week of the Kitchen Redo

Busy, busy week here in the ol' homestead and lots to share with you. As many of you know, I have had my hubby in the hospital since January and so have had to do daily hospital runs. I have been watching this tree from complete dormancy to glorious flowering. Look at the view out this window, not to bad to watch now! Just had to share this, it's so beautiful.

This past weekend, my youngest grandaughter made her First Communion. I was able to get a day pass for my hubs to come with us so I was pretty busy during the celebration but did manage to get this photo. My grandaughter is the first girl on the right with her back to us. (There is a reason I am not the family photographer! lol) She looked like an angel and fairy princess all rolled up into one. This is the infamous Bridget who has been known to come out with some pretty funny observations on life.

And then on Monday, for some unknown reason, I decided it would be a great idea to redo my kitchen. I started ripping things apart before I thought to take some before pictures. I took a photo of the first cupboard with it's brand new sparkly antique linen interior! Looks brighter already. The cabinets and woodwork are the bear of a job in this room. The walls will be a piece of cake! I'm still undecided whether to go with a golden yellow or a sagey green or a robin eggy blue. Please weigh in with opinions, I need some help here!!! (Great way to redecorate, color by vote, lol)

On the business side of things this week, there is the Mother's Day Shop Hop at Make Mine Pink beginning April 25th. Make sure to go to http://www.makeminepink.com/ to sign up and get registered so you are all set to find those shopping bags the boutique owners have hidden on our websites. Lots of great prizes, as usual, and no purchase necessary - but it is a great way to find your Mother's Day gifts while having fun and relaxing at home.

This week's Make Mine Pink Friday theme is Celebrating Mom. Are you seeing the trend here? Come and shop the new products for Mother's Day. I have a new gift item that will debut on Friday( http://www.patriciarose-apotpourri.com/ ) and many of the other participating boutiques have special gift items as well.

So back to my painting, will see you next week. Hope I have after pictures by then. I don't know how long my sanity will hold with this mess!

Hugs,

Pat

Moving My Work Room ----Again

I will find the perfect place to set up my work room yet. Thought I had it all figured out and lo and behold, I need that room as a bedroom again. Sheesh! So, one more time and, I swear, this is the last time. So, this week will be a week of moving everything one room over.

I was fortunate enough to find some very old bobbins from a weaving mill that has closed down. We have a wonderful group here in the Hudson Valley, Hudson Valley Merchandise Exchange, that rescues many, many things from going to the landfill. You have to check frequently because things come and go fairly quickly, but it is like a treasure hunt and sometimes I get incredibly lucky. The prices are very reasonable and it's for a great cause! Here is what I've done with some of the bobbins - candle holders!

I have a pair sitting on my mantle as well. I think they are fun and different, with the added plus of being recycled!

This week I have to get some serious garden clean up started. With the unusual warm days we had last week, quite a few weeds have awakened. Will manage to get some dandelions picked and make some dandelion fritters--yum! Chickweed is full of vitamins

The chives are up nicely and I have started harvesting those already. The more you use, the more you get. Even a small bunch will give you plenty. A nice way to use chives is to make a white chive, sauce (1 Tbl. butter, 1Tbl. flour- melt butter in pan mix in flour-you have just made a roux, don't you feel like a French chef??-stir in a cup of milk. Keep stirring until thickened, add in a small handful of snipped chives, a bit of salt and pepper and pour over cooked veggies. Garnish with a little fresh snipped chives and you're done. Carrots are great this way, but also green beans or wax beans)

It seems some little woodland creature had been very busy moving my little hyacinths around during the autumn. I have them all throughout the gardens and lawn, just not where I planted them! Little devils! It looks pretty anyway and I have to admit, I kind of liked the surprise. My poor gardens have been so neglected the past few years, maybe the critters decided I needed some help.

I have some Jenny wrens checking out the birdhouses by the patio, hope they move in. Just love them. I think it may be time to put out the bluebird houses too. I hear a whole lot of bird song everyday now.

Hope everyone has a wonderful, productive week. Make sure to make time to check what is growing around you, so many miracles happening this time of year! Talk to you soon,

Pat

Keeping It Green, Redo's

The last week's Make Mine Pink Friday and this week's are almost the same in my mind. Recycling is a part of the crafting movement. We all take items-scraps of fabric, bits of lace, a small broken bauble- and turn them into something else. We take old worn furniture, give it a paint face lift and it has a new life. Taking our turn caring for antiques until it is time to pass them on. It makes me feel good to keep even a meager amount from the landfill and turning it into something I, and I hope others, will treasure. It is with these thoughts mulling around in my head that I have started offering a line of potpourri sold in containers - not something I have gone off and bought new, these are containers that I am recycling and making beautiful and useful again. My first is a really useful glass mug that I have embellished with ribbon, lace and faux pearls. A few millinery flowers and leaves completed the look. Here is my newest redo -

I have put a few around my home and am offering some to you as well. Hope you enjoy them.

For those of you who have enjoyed our Make Mine Pink Shop Hops, mark your calendars! The Mother's Day Shop Hop is going to start April 25. Great prizes will be offered (as usual!) and no purchase is necessary to participate. For those of you who have never joined in, come on over and enjoy browsing through the participating boutiques as you search for the hidden shopping bag. The more shopping bags you find, the larger the prize you will be able to be entered in a drawing for. It's fun, great shopping for Mother's Day and maybe a super prize for you! Doesn't get much better than that, does it?

Have a terrific week,

Pat

Look Who Woke Up!

While waiting for the dogs to finish chasing leaves, protecting me from songbirds flying overhead and being generally goofy, look what I found! Newly awakened and looking divine after the winter's beauty sleep.........hmmm, after three tries here, blogger has decided it didn't like my photo of my first daffodil. I will try again later. She is looking gorgeous though!

**Edited to say, here she is! Blogger is being friendlier tonight, lol. Also got the link to work, sheesh!

That sure put a smile on my face. The first daffodil to pop open this spring here at the ol' homestead. I guess we are really and truly coming out of the winter. I'm ready!

Time to start packing away the winter sweaters, coats, scarves and gloves. Don't forget to make sure that everything is super clean before packing up and a good idea is to pack in a fragrant herbal clothing protector sachet with each precious sweater! (click on the word sachet to be taken to Patricia Rose to see these, Blogger is just being a pain with this post) At Patricia Rose, these are the ones we make and use. They have a pleasing fragrance but the moths are just not fond of it at all.

Spring cleaning is upon us and if you are like me, the bookcases are a major chore. After getting all the books dusted and replaced on the shelves, a small packet of patchouli behind every six books or so will prevent silverfish from infesting the area and munching on the glue of the bindings. It's so much easier to prevent an infestation than to try and get rid of the little pesties one they have invaded!

Have a wonderful week all,

Pat

I Kept My Hands Busy

As I mentioned last week, we have been through a horrific family emergency. My dear hubs has been in the hospital for the past 6 weeks, 4 of which were in the ICU. Now that I know he is coming home, I can talk about this a little.

To keep my sanity, I had my hand sewing with me to fill the rest of the 50 minutes of the hour when I couldn't be next to him. I spent many nights sleeping, or resting anyway, in a waiting room and depended on my handwork to keep me balanced. This week, I have started to get the embroideries done up into finished products. Here is a picture of the first three!

I did a heart because my husband had two heart attacks while in the hospital and then a quadruple bypass. Just seemed appropriate, don't ya think?? The precious pink pillowette is silk ribbon embroidery on dupioni silk with a scrumptious tassel fringe and filled with polyfil and lavender. Then two fabric postcards ready for the mail! You will find these on my website this coming week.

I am thankful that the surgery was successful and hubs will be home this week. My thanks for all the prayers and positive thoughts that were sent up for us.

Hugs,

Pat

I'm Back!

After a month long absence due to a family emergency, I am finally back! Have missed all my computer friends. Have a whole lot of catching up to do, that's for sure. I sincerely hope that the crises are behind me now and life will take on a more normal pace.

How did everybody make out with the big blizzard of 2010 up here in the Northeast? We lost power for a few days, so a forced R & R break was enjoyed. We haven't had a storm like this is many years, felt like a kid with a snow day. Here's a photo of my back deck and Chloe (my head seamstress) to show what we dealt with.

It is just beautiful though and the full moon on the snow last night was awesome. Has anyone ever enjoyed Cracked Sugar? It's a fun thing to do when you have a big snow. Everyone in the house puts out a bowl to collect some fresh snow. Meanwhile, take some maple syrup (has to be the real deal) and simmer for a while on the stove top, minimum of 15-20 minutes. Bring in your bowl of snow and drizzle the hot syrup over the snow. The maple syrup hardens up and you have instant maple candy, yumm! Little ones love the magic of watching the syrup harden up instantly and particularly eating it! Okay, Here I was, all by myself in the house, and I have to admit that I couldn't resist and did it for myself this snow storm. It was fun! Try it the next time we have a good snow fall.

Have a wonderful week all,

Pat

When Inspiration Strikes!

I hope this finds everyone dug out from the snow if you were in one of the areas that got so badly hit. It has been one strange winter for weather, that's for sure. We got very lucky this time around and didn't see a flake, well not the snow kind anyway. I am thankful for that because my husband is in the hospital and that would have been more stress! In the hours I have been sitting over there, I have been doing a lot of hand stitching. Want to show you my recent creation. It is a really fun new denim purse. Was never quite sure what to do with the top part of jeans after I had reused the denim from the legs. Well, the answer is just have some fun with it!

The Purse Close Up Front

Close Up Back

All the pockets have remained intact and there is a new zipper pocket where the fly is. These are a size 10 jeans and they made quite a roomy purse. If I use my own, I believe it will be a suitcase!

I have to run off to the hospital again so I will leave you with a household hint a girl friend sent to me:

Leave a few get well cards on the mantle. That way people will think you've been sick and were unable to clean!

Have good week all,

Pat

My Heart's All Aflutter.....

My heart's all aflutter with new Valentine ideas. I have had such a nice week playing with fabric and trim and vintage images making Valentines for you. I felt like I was back in grade school with my scissors and glue finding the just perfect addition to my card. It has been so cold outside, this was the perfect way to spend the days. Come on over to Patricia Rose and see what I have created! Some pretty ruffly sachets and pillows make perfect gifts for Mom or Grandma.

Do you have any special traditions that you share with your Sweetie? I'd love to hear about them. Valentine's Day makes me remember a commercial from years ago, it must have been for an antacid. But it was a new bride who was so proud of her marshmallow filled heart-shaped meatloaf. Just remembering it still makes me laugh. I'm also dating myself!

While we are thinking of caring and love, please remember The Pink Slipper Project. Donations are being accepted continuously of slippers, supplies or monetary donations. The widget is just off to the right, just click on it and see what the recent challenges are.

Speaking of challenges, am I the only one who let this cold weather and dry heat indoors chap up my skin? Some soothing bath teas are the answer, along with some good for your skin oils. Jojoba is my choice, it facilitates essential oils being absorbed by your skin. A nice choice for some quick skin first aid.

Have a wonderful week. Stay safe and warm.

Pat