Decisions, Decisions - Father's Day & 4th of July Prep

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!  It is finally done.  Now off to the framer.

I really can't remember when I started this but, I think it took me somewhere between 6 and 8 months with smaller projects also.  I did have a stitch guide I purchased from Pocket Full of Stitches but made a few thread, stitch, and color changes (very few).  I love, love, love this and can't believe I did it!

Father's Day Success

What a wonderful day despite the rain.  Jim had a visit from all three kids and 6 of the 7 grands!  Here are a few pics of the day!

4th of July Prep

I have been busy shopping, making goody bags for the kids, baking, and trying to keep my head above water!

So far, I have baked the Fireworks Pudding Cookies.  I have been making them for several years and they are always a HUGE hit.  Fireworks Pudding Cookies

 

I can't say enough about how much my grands love these!

Probably next in popularity would be the Kid's Candy Cookies recipe I found in a Food Network Magazine a gazillion years ago.

You can find it at Kid's Candy Cookies-Food Network

While researching how to freeze a bundt cake, I ran across this recipe.  I made it today and it baked up beautifully.  I am particularly attracted to it because our camp is in Louisiana and is the location of our 4th of July extravaganza.  You can find the recipe (and the story) at Take Two Tapas - Louisiana Stranger Cake.  It was so quick and easy!

Currently in the oven is my favorite Pound Cake!  It is oh so easy and super yummy!  I've had the recipe so long, I really am not sure where I got it.  Thankfully it was one of the recipes that was not where it was supposed to be when Harvey took most of my recipes.

I have also made the Sausage Balls (can't ever get away without those), the Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos, and a couple of breakfast casseroles.  I also made some marinara & BBQ sauces that have been canned and transported to the camp!

Reading & Podcast Updates

I am still working my way through War on Peace.  It is insightful narrative on the workings (or lack there of) in the State Department.  So far, I have not found it to be "against (or for)" one party or the other, just a simple statement of the facts.  It is a book, that for me at least, is best taken in small bites.  I recommend it!

So this may seem a bit strange.  The other day I randomly looked up the top podcasts on Itunes - Now I am totally addicted to The Man in the Window.  Stay tuned....

I am also working my way through Dan Carlin's Blueprint for Armageddon II.  So much to take in, such attention to detail, I am learning!

Of course, I am still working through my Novena mentioned on my last post.

So many things to stitch, bake & learn, so little time....

Until next time, wishing you all the best!

Marci

Hogs & Grands

I am still hoping for more frequent posts but so far, no luck.

Stitching Update

I have decided to put all my focus on finishing my Decisions, Decisions by Sandra Gilmore.  I have finished (well almost) the floor leaving the brooms, hair, bracelet, and hat brim decorations.

I am hoping to finish by the end of the week.  Fingers crossed.

In addition, a few weeks ago I did my first fully finished object.  It is a Lizzie Kate 4 Seasons - Summer.  I watched a video by Vonna - The Twisted Stitcher and just imitated what she did.  Of course, mine isn't perfect but I am happy with it and am still learning how to improve.

It is a simple finish compared to many I have seen but, it's simplicity is what I love about it.

Hopefully this week will allow for more stitchy time!

Hogs, Hogs, Hogs

Imagine waking up to this.....

They dug up plants, dug up trees that we just planted, and generally terrorized our 2 acres.  I spent the day putting most things back the way it was before they came.  Praying they stay away, I am to old to redo our landscaping every time they get hungry.



















The next day, we had storms that left plenty of standing water all over the place.  I won't complain as I know later this summer we will probably be begging for rain.

Grands

Some of my favorite shots from the last couple of weeks.

My heart sitting in rings!

Finally got a photo of her.

GROOT

The Camp

The hubs and I visited our camp this weekend to begin preparation for our 4th of July celebration.  It is a full week of fun, family, and friends.  The lake was super rough and really high so no boating.  We left early Sunday morning and drove the 185 miles home only to discover we had left Jim's computer bag and my stitchy bag sitting on the porch.  Let's just say, that made for a very long day in the car. 

The water is almost covering the lower wharf. 

We had a nice sunset.  I wish the purples showed up better!

W

We got another 25 pounds of shrimp from Ms. Jane - as she says, they were swimming last night.  Nothing beats fresh shrimp!

In the 20 years I have been going to the camp, I have never seen an alligator in the lake.  Apparently the lake is so fresh right now (normally brackish) that they are coming out of the swamps.

Reading & Podcasts

I am still working on Dan Carlin's Hardcore History - I am working my way through "Blueprint for Armageddon II".  If you have any interest in the history surrounding WW I, give it a listen beginning with episode 50.

I started the  Mary, Undoer of Knots novena this morning with the "Pray More Novenas" podcast.  It is a quick 5 minutes out of your day, I highly recommend.

 I am currently working on three books, as follows:

Ok, gotta get to work now!

Until next time, wishing you all the best!

Marci