Early May Garden 2015

Oh, finally!  Spring has taken over, and I am able to do some  planting.  Even though our last frost date is still over a week away, I feel confident that we won't have one again this month.  So, I went to the garden center and picked up my torenias, along with a few other pretties.  …

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Giveaway Winner

The Random number generator did its thing, and we have a winner for the book giveaway.  Thank you to everyone that left a comment and entered the drawing for the Stars Unlimited book.  I wish I could send a book to each and every one of you, I so appreciate your comments and your support. …

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The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – book review

Reading some of the reviews on this book, I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the time on 770 pages, but it won a Pulitzer Prize. Those are certainly not given for bad writing. After reading it, I think most of the people that didn't enjoy this book didn't understand what it was really about. …

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NC Quilt Symposium Gift Baskets

With the NC Quilt Symposium so close by, I thought I'd make up some gift baskets to use as door prizes for the guests.  Naturally, I am hoping they will come visit my blog.  There were a couple of retailers that graciously provided some of the goodies. If you come to Symposium, you might win …

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Spring Tulip Mini Quilt finishing

The second afternoon, I finished up the table top mini quilt to fit the stand I have. This project is small enough to quilt on your domestic machine. Since I have the longarm, I use it even for small projects. If you missed the first post on paper piecing the top, click HERE. We left …

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Spring Tulip Mini Quilt

Spring's softer colors and all the flowers in bloom inspired me to get out some pretty pastels and create another mini quilt. It took only two afternoons to complete. I started with a paper pieced tulip that I did in a demo some years ago. Then I pulled some pretty spring pastels to go with …

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Late April Sunday Drive

We woke up Sunday to a lovely view across the valley just after dawn.  Fog in the valley shows the layers of hills and mountains so much better than a clear view. Gradually the fog burned away, and we decided to go for a nice little drive with friends in our little British cars. We …

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Dressing Downton at Biltmore Estate

There's a special exhibit going on at the Biltmore Estate right now, and for all of the Downton Abbey fans it is wonderful. Even more so for those that know what it takes to use needle and thread to create wearable art. Wearable art is precisely what I saw there. Gorgeous beading and exquisite hand …

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Mid April Azaleas and Dogwood

The azaleas are almost here!  I really love the white ones best.  We have a lot of azaleas on the property, in white and several shades of pink.  I got a few shots of them just coming out.  This white one is in full flower, covered in honey bees too. Gorgeous, isn't it? Behind it …

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National Garlic Day with Roasted Garlic recipes

Today is another silly holiday, it is National Garlic Day!  This is an ingredient I love using.  Chopped up garlic sauteed with onions is the beginning to many a great meal.  Roasting garlic makes a wonderful flavorful add on to all kinds of recipes, from spreads for toasted bread to a rub for grilled or …

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