The Leaves Are Changing

The other day, I was looking around the house for some sand paper. I am working on another furniture project, which I'll update on later. While searching for the aforesaid paper, I stumbled upon a pile of old cookbooks. Among the books was a ledger.

Inside the ledger was a bunch of handwritten recipes and beside each recipe the name of the woman (in parenthesis) from whom the recipe was given by. Also, tucked into the pages, throughout the book, were a bunch of newspaper and magazine clippings of recipes.

From the dates of the clippings, I was able to figure out that the book was kept during the 1950's. There were even recipes from the woman's friends with little notes written with them. The penmanship was very pretty, and it was sweet to see the collection of recipes that this woman took the time to record. I used her mother's molasses cookie recipe to make a large batch of cookies. I think this recipe is the best molasses cookie recipe I've ever used! My mother told me that it was very similar to the recipe that her mother used. They are very big and very yummy! This ledger was an exciting find and, certainly, a treasure.

Yesterday, I went to the coast and enjoyed a sunny day at the beach, then I went and visited some other fun places nearby. I've visited this place nearly every summer since I was a little girl. I've always loved the old sites and the remnants of colonial dwellings. This place pictured is a very old cemetary that overlooks the harbor. It's fun to go there and read the old stones and learn about the history of the place.

There is something about smelling the salt air, especially when you first step out in the morning, that is so calming.

That morning, before I left for the coast, I noticed that the leaves on the trees are beginning to change- the first whisperings of Fall. This week, I'll be working on a furniture project. When it is completed I write all about it. Until next time~ Toodaloo!

I Finished Some Projects!

I finished the quilt that I was making for a nephew to be, finally! After washing it, I was hanging it on the clothes line, when I saw that one little seam didn't get sewn. So, after the quilt was dry, I grabbed the quilt and gave a quick zig zag stitch to mend the flaw. I really do love my new sewing machine, I must say. I am able to get so many projects done faster with this machine.






The other day, I made oatmeal raspberry scones. The raspberries came from the backyard garden. I had never made these kind of scones before, but since we've had such a great harvest, so far, I thought I'd experiment. When raspberries bake in an oven, the juices start to flow and the most fantastic smells drift out of the oven. My nephews visited this weekend, and long story short, once they discovered Auntie's scones, they Houdini'd the pastries.

Now, I have more time to develop other projects. School will be starting at the end of the month. So, I am beginning to prepare now. I bought an old waffle iron at the thrift store this weekend. It's great, it makes four rectangular waffles which are a perfect fit for the toaster. The irons can be reversed and the other side is flat- which can be used as a griddle. I went on line and found a recipe for multigrain waffles. I made an experimental batch. They were great. The idea is that on Saturdays, I make a large batch of waffles and freeze them. Then, throughout the week, I can grab a few from the freezer and toast them for breakfast. This will provide a filling, yet, wholesome breakfast that won't take any time to make. Effective time management in the mornings during the school year is crucial. If I start my day in a stress- filled frenzy, the rest of my day will be a mess. So, this is very helpful. I have started another experiment, which I'll detail at another time. Until then~ Toodaloo!