Sunday Stash Report - Week 17

Sunday Stash Report - Week 17

I am late getting this up today because I have been in bed sleeping with another bad cold for the season.  This makes number three.
Yesterday we walked in the Laura Dester Foster Care Awareness walk and it was cold and damp.  Probably didn't help me any being chilled to the bone and walking through puddles but it was great to see over 1000 people out walking.  Last year there was only about 50.  Great support for a worthy cause!!

I stayed home today while Jenny and Ella  went to OKC to see Auntie KK and the Kirkland family.  Hated to miss it but hope by resting today tomorrow I will feel better.

 SUNDAY STASH REPORT - WEEK 17

Total Yards Used this Week:  5 1/2 yards

Added this Week: 0 yards

Used year to Date:  53  yards

 Added Year to Date: 10 yards

 Net Stash Decrease for 2013:  43  yards

Baby Boy Quilt

I worked on finishing several tops my 85 year old mother brought to me last month.  I have two friends turning 60 this summer so I wanted to make them quilts.  I used two of the tops that mother brought. I added borders to one and took the left over blocks and made a baby boy quilt for the daughter of a friend that I teach with at CBS.  Her baby boy is due in July.  Can't believe I am ahead.  I have all the bindings on and clipped ready to sew.  I can have some serious catch up time with my DVR now.

Mother's quilts are always bright and happy.  She calls this one "Sunshine and Shadows".

 A simple nine patch that comes alive wih the bright orange "Zinger" block. Mother reverses some the block pattern in the nine patch every other row.  Adds to the whimsy.  I love that she give herself freedom to create.  She has never taken a quilting class.  She learned from watching her grandmother's during the depression.  She uses what she has on hand and the quilts are always happy and bright, much like her smile.  Love you Mom!!
I quilted this one in FMQ with flowers in a meandering pattern.


I practiced my FMQ feathers in the borders of all the quilts.  I think is is going to be my signature border pattern.  I will be linking up with Judy L at Patchwork Times for the Sunday Stash Report.

Goodnight from Miss Ella and Riley!!  It's been a long day!!

Happy Trails,

Mtn Mama

Food for Friday - Week 17 - Antipasto Pasta Salad

Food for Friday - Week 17

Ella has been a big help around here since she arrived on Tuesday.  She found these antique chairs in my dining room and has moved them from room to room. Occasionally she stops to take a rest! These chairs were  originally a Christmas gift to her great-grandmother Ella in 1930 from Santa.  She them redone and gave them to me about 10 years ago.  It's so heart warming to see "Miss Ella"  sitting in "Great-Grammy Ella's" childhood chairs. 

 Ella loves to sweep.  She stays busy in the kitchen with her broom and dustpan....notice the Wolf, Wolf is not far away. She loves Riley the dog...aka "Wolf, Wolf".   I think he loves her too!!  But then we all do!!!

The recipe for this week is a summer favorite of mine.  I have tweeked it over the years to suit my taste. You can tweek it your taste too.  Don't be afraid to add the things you love and take away anything that you don't.  It's a great recipe to make you own.   Here's how I make it:

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb of Tomato-Spinach Tricolor Pasta
1 cup of Cherub Tomatoes cut in half
1/2 pound of sliced pepperoni cut into strips
1 can large California Black olives, sliced
1 jar of marinated mushrooms and red peppers, roughly chopped
1/2 cup of green onions, sliced including the green parts
1/2 cup shredded parmesean
1/2 cup homemade pesto

Directions:

1. Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling water that has been heavily salted.  Boil according to the package instruction.  I always use dried pasta for this salad.

2. While the pasta is boiling wash and trim the green onions.

3. Dice both the while and green parts to make 1/2 cup

4.  Slice the Cherub tomatoes in half.

5. Slice the can of black olives

6. Roughly chop the marinated mushrooms and pepper.  I use some of the marinade from the jar to mix into the salad as a dressing at the end.  I just do it to taste.

7.  Slice the pepperoni into strips.

8.  Grate the parmesean.

9.  Drain the pasta when it is cooked and rinse with cool water.

10.  Add all of your chopped and sliced veggies, meat, and cheeses to the pasta and toss.

11. I make my own pesto and freeze it so that I can use it year round.  This is one of the containers I freeze which is just the right size for this salad.

12.  Add the pesto and the reserved marinade to the salad.  Use as much or as little as you desire.  If you don't have any marinade use a good quality olive oil.  

13.  I always finish my antipasto pasta salad with a dash of season salt.  It perks up the flavor more than plain salt.  Add a small amount and taste.....stop when you think it is great!!

This is a beautiful salad for a spring picnic, lunch or supper.
I often line a bowl with greens and then put a scoop of this salad on top for a meal.  It is SOOOOO good!! I really hope this becomes one of your summer go to favorite salads.

Antipasto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

1 lb of Tomato-Spinach Tricolor Pasta
1 cup of Cherub Tomatoes cut in half
1/2 pound of sliced pepperoni cut into strips
1 can large California Black olives, sliced
1 jar of marinated mushrooms and red peppers, roughly chopped
1/2 cup of green onions, sliced including the green parts
1/2 cup shredded parmesean
1/2 cup homemade pesto

Directions:
1. Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling water that has been heavily salted.  Boil according to the package instruction.  I always use dried pasta for this salad.
2. While the pasta is boiling wash and trim the green onions
3. Dice both the while and green parts to make 1/2 cup
4.  Slice the Cherub tomatoes in half.
5. Slice the can of black olives
6. Roughly chop the marinated mushrooms and pepper.  I use some of the marinade from the jar to mix into the salad as a dressing at the end.  I just do it to taste.
7.  Slice the pepperoni into strips.
8.  Grate the parmesean.

9.  Drain the pasta when it is cooked and rinse with cool water.

10.  Add all of your chopped and sliced veggies, meat, and cheeses to the pasta and toss.
11. I make my own pesto and freeze it so that I can use it year round.  This is one of the containers I freeze which is just the right size for this salad.

12.  Add the pesto and the reserved marinade to the salad.  Use as much or as little as you desire.  If you don't have any marinade use a good quality olive oil.  
13.  I always finish my antipasto pasta salad with a dash of season salt.  It perks up the flavor more than plain salt.  Add a small amount and taste.....stop when you think it is great!!



Bon Appetite!!

Happy trails....until we eat again!!

Mtn Mama

Work in Progress Wednesday

Azaleas and vinca in bloom in my backyard!!  Spring has Sprung is Tulsa!!

Work in Progress Wednesday

I feel that learning how to be "single" again is a WIP.  Jeff always took care of the boat.  In fact we haven't had it out since before he died.  I was at the lake last week and saw that the boat cover was missing.  Upon further investigation it was in the lake hanging onto the boat by one bungee cord.  Mary and I fished the water logged, extremely heavy, cover out and got it back on the boat by ourselves.  We were feeling pretty accomplished I must tell you.  Everyday that I do something new and it works I feel that I move more toward healing!!

Thank you Lord for helping me in this "Brave New World" of being alone!!  I thank you for giving me strength when I am weak and courage when I am afraid.  And most of all I thank you for ALWAYS being there with me no matter how I feel or where I am!!  You give me comfort and peace during this very unstable time!!  I am grateful!!  AMEN

Now for the real WIP (Work in Progress) upstairs in the sewing annex.  This is another quilt top that my mother made and brought when she visited in March.  It is a "Happy" quilt.  Simply made in   half square triangles and vibrant colors it sings "Sunshine"!!  I am quilting it this week.  I meandered the center and did large flowing feathers in the borders.  The binding will be dark blue solid.

Even though it is hard to see in these pictures the dark half square triangles are made of a print with a blue background, green, orange and light blue.  It goes together very well.

Hope to get the binding on this quilt and label it before the end of the week.  This is going to be a gift for a good friend who has a special birthday in June.  So happy to get it finished early.....I hope!

Happy Trails,

Mtn Mama

Design Wall Monday

Forever Friends

It has been a great 10 days with my friend, Mary-Anne Nease.  Not only is she a talented artist but a beautiful person who truly lives her life in the beauty of the moment appreciating all that is around her.  She puts others first and is always lending a helping hand to those who need it.   Mary-Anne was a high school classmate of my late husband Jeffrey.  I was reacquainted with her through my brother who was also a member of their class about a year ago.  At that time the three of them sat in my family room laughing and talking over "high school drama in 1975".  It was wonderful to experience friendships that had lasted through the years.  Since Jeff's passing Mary-Anne and I have become close friends.  You see we share a common bond.  We are both widows....in what we consider our "younger" years.  It has been a blessing to have someone who has walked this path before me.  She continues to stand beside me as I "crawl" my way along the cobblestones of this first year as I establish my "new normal".   I am always amazed at how God gives you just what you need and who you need at just the time you need it. 

Thank you Lord for this precious FRIEND!!

Design Wall Monday 

My design wall shows that I am still working on my hand appliqued Dresden plates.  I have four more to complete.  That will make the 20 I need for my quilt.  I am also quilting a top that my 85 year old mother made this winter.  I hope to get it done this week.  The weather here in T-Town is getting nicer so I am spending more time outdoors than in the sewing room.  I had the pool opened last Tuesday.  I have been working in the flower beds and will start planting my pots this week.   Dr. Kristina came home Saturday and signed a lease on the house in Tulsa that she will be moving into in June.  It was so good to see her.  I am thrilled knowing she will be in Tulsa for good soon.  Jenny and Ella will arrive Tuesday night.  They are here for a week to check on their house that is being built.  So probably won't sew much this week either but I don't mind at all!!  I am linking up today with Judy L at Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday.  Check out all the great projects that are "in the works" over there!!

Happy Trails,
Mtn Mama

The Tulsa Color Run

Team Z-Crew

 The Awesome Color Run - Tulsa, OK

April 20, 2013

Yes, I did spend my morning running, dancing and singing my way through rainbows of colors that were poured on me, sprayed at me and rained on top of me from a beautiful rainbow colored cloud.  It was AWESOME!!!

Before Color

After Color!!!

It has been a long time since I have laughed so much and for so long.  It truly is "The Happiest 5K on the Planet".  If you ever get a chance to participate in a Color Run I would encourage you to Just Do It!!!  You won't be sorry!!  Next Saturday I will be participating in the Laura Dester "Walk A Mile in My Shoes" with my daughter and granddaughter.  Can't wait!!

 Sunday Stash Report - Week 16

Total Yards Used this Week:  0 yard

Added this Week: 1 yards

Used year to Date:  47 1/2 yards 

 Added Year to Date: 10 yards 

 Net Stash Decrease for 2013: 37 1/2 yards

I haven't been sewing this week.  My friend Mary and I have been working on our cookbook and having a blast.  She will leave today.  So sorry to see her go but have plans to get together this July.  I have a quilt ready for quilting.

 It is a top my mother made this winter and brought out to me to quilt.  Should be great to practice my FMQ skills.  I hope to get it done this week.  I bought the one yard piece this week for binding when I was picking up yellow thread to quilt it with.  Linking up with Judy L at Patchwork Times for Sunday Stash Report.
Hope your week is happy and "colorful"!!!!

 Happy Trails,

Mtn Mama 

Whoop, Whoop Friday!!

Whoop, Whoop Friday!!

It's a beautiful, sunny but cool day here in T-Town.  I had a meeting in mid-town this morning so I stopped by Whole Foods to indulge in all the beauty it has to offer. This sign just made me happy as I was walking inside.  So glad it it spring!!

.

                                                                              

  I have had a fabulous week hanging out with my friend Mary and working on our cookbook.  I also finished my Mother's Christmas quilt for her.
My Momma is 85 years old and is an active quilter and rug maker (braided).  I hope I follow her footsteps and am still sewing and quilting when I am her age.
Here is the Christmas Quilt she made for herself.  She loves stars.  I love the way she used different background colors around the stars.  It give the quilt depth.

I am also working on quilting another of my momma's quilt tops.

It is great to have all these "extra" tops to practice on with my Tin Lizzie.  I am going to put feathers in the borders.  Practice, practice, practice.  I am linking up today with Sarah at Confession's of a Fabric Addict for Whoop, Whoop Friday, Crazy Mom Quilts , and Richard and Tanya Quilts for Link a Finish Friday.  Hop over and see all the creativity going on at these sites.

Tomorrow is the Color Run here in T-Town.  I am running in a group of "Mixed Ages".  Actually I will be doing more speed walking than running.  My left foot is still swelling.  I had surgery over a year ago for a torn tendon plus two previous stress fractures in that foot from running.  Do you think it is trying to tell me something????  I am listening more than I did when I was younger....so walking it may be tomorrow but we are going to have a BLAST!!!  Stay Tuned for fabulous pictures....I want to be "Rainbow" colored from head to toe!!

Happy Trails,

Mtn Mama

Food for Friday - Week 16

 

 

 

 Here's Looking at You  Baby!!

You made it.....

It's FRIDAY!!

  

My bundle of joy is still bundled up in Minneapolis as it is still snowing there today!!  I think my daughter has had enough but Ella looks like she is still "chillin like a villian"!!!   They are coming to visit Nana next week and to check on their new house that is being built.  Can't wait to see this angel and spoil her rotten!!

 

Food for Friday - Week - 16

There is promise of spring in the air....at least some of the time.  I had the pool opened on Tuesday.   Last night we dodged storms and sirens here in T-Town so that is a sure sign of spring.  I love it when I make "Fresh, Clean" food that reminds me of summer.  Won't you join me in this "Fresh Pasta" dish which helps to kick off a spring tradition of good food, friends and lots of time spent in the backyard around the pool.

Fresh Pasta with Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Ingredients:

2 TBSP olive oil

2-3 links mild Italian Turkey Sausage (Remove from Casings)

1 Shallot, minced

1 9 ounce pkg of fresh Baby Spinach

2 cups grape tomatoes

Fresh Pasta of your Choice ( I used Ravioli with mushrooms)

salt and pepper to taste

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese 

  

 Directions:

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet

2. Remove the Italian Sausage from the casings.  Put into the heated oil and brown.

 3. Mince a medium shallot and add to the pan with the sausage.

 4.  Pour the entire bag of spinach on top of the sausage and shallot mixture.  It will steam down quickly to 1/4 the size of the original so don't worry about having too much spinach.

5.  Cook your fresh pasta according to the package directions in salted water.  Mine cooked for 2-3 minutes.  Remember fresh pasta doesn't cook as long as dried.  Do NOT overcook or it will be mushy and fall apart.

 6.  Add the cook pasta directly to the pan with the sausage, spinach and shallots.  Add the grape tomatoes and toss the pan to mix.  I cook this for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes are hot and start to burst.

 

  7. Add several grinds of fresh pepper to taste.

  

8. Grate fresh parmesan over each servings to taste.

Fresh Pasta with Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Tomatoes 

Ingredients:

 

2 TBSP olive oil

2-3 links mild Italian Turkey Sausage (Remove from Casings)

1 Shallot, minced

1 9 ounce pkg of fresh Baby Spinach

2 cups grape tomatoes

Fresh Pasta of your Choice ( I used Ravioli with mushrooms)

salt and pepper to taste

Fresh grated Parmesan cheese 

 

 Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet

2. Remove the Italian Sausage from the casings.  Put into the heated oil and brown.

3. Mince a medium shallot and add to the pan with the sausage.

  

4.  Pour the entire bag of spinach on top of the sausage and shallot mixture.  It will steam down quickly to 1/4 the size of the original so don't worry about having too much spinach.

  

5.  Cook your fresh pasta according to the package directions in salted water.  Mine cooked for 2-3 minutes.  Remember fresh pasta doesn't cook as long as dried.  Do NOT overcook or it will be mushy and fall apart.

 6.  Add the cook pasta directly to the pan with the sausage, spinach and shallots.  Add the grape tomatoes and toss the pan to mix.  I cook this for 3-5 minutes until the tomatoes are hot and start to burst.

7. Add several grinds of fresh pepper to taste.

8. Grate fresh parmesan over each servings to taste.

 

Bon Appetite!!

Get your spring season off to a good start.....cook up your favorite foods, get outside and like Miss Ella, put your sunglasses on no matter what the weather is outside!!!  

Happy Trails to you....until we eat again!!!

Mtn Mama