Strawberries ....

This prim bunny will be listed on ebay this evening. Tucked inside the rusty wire basket that I made are some ripe, sweet prim strawberries from Ol' Mc Ornery's garden.

I have noticed strawberries are now in the grocery stores and just look so yummy , but I haven't bought any yet.

Here in Pennsylvania we had brilliant sunshine, totally blue sky and warmer weather than usual today, and it was just wonderful !

I didn't get a chance to enjoy much of it, though, as I finished up making the bunny, taking photos, and listing her on ebay.

I had to delete my last post because of some pervert's lewd comment. Most of it was blocked out but had the words DVD and sex on it. It would be nice if people like this would play in their own backyard !

May you all have a warm and wonderful week ! Spring starts on Saturday !

Hugs,
Linda

Groundhog ( Day ) Chili

Since there is going to be six more weeks of winter, ( darn groundhog ) I thought it would be a great day to make a big pot of chili.

Most of the ingredients are pictured above, except for a teaspoon of sugar sprinkled over the tomatoes and of course, the groundhog.. I mean ground chuck. :o) Here is my chili recipe:

1 3/4 lb. package ground chuck (one and three quarters pound )
1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, cut them up in the pot
1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of sugar sprinkled over the tomatoes in the pot
1 16 oz. can light red kidney beans, drained
1 16 oz. can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 16 oz. can chili beans, drained slightly
1 onion, diced
1 medium size green pepper, diced
1 stalk of celery , diced..optional
1 -2 tablespoons of olive oil
about 1 to 1 1/2 cups water added

I don't really measure my spices.

Start out with 2 tablespoons of chili powder.. add more if you like it spicier.
1/2 teaspoon cumin, optional
a few good dashes of garlic powder
a few good dashes of onion powder
a pinch or two of Italian seasoning
about three pinches or so of oregano

Brown the ground chuck and add to the pot of beans and tomatoes. Saute the diced onion, green pepper and celery in the olive oil until transparent.. watch it doesn't burn. Add to the beans, tomatoes and ground chuck. Add about 1 to 1 1/2 cups water. Add your spices. Bring to a slight boil then let it simmer all day. I use a heat diffuser on my burner. You can buy a heat diffuser at a kitchen store. ( I have a gas stove. )

Taste the chili about two hours after simmering. Add more chili powder (and cumin) if desired. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes, if desired, for a hotter type chili.





Serve with cornbread or crackers and a salad ! Chili is also great for a super bowl get together. Serve with sliced cheeses, crackers, tortilla chips. Add a vegetable tray and some dip !



Happy Groundhog's Day ! Not for us, though, that live in Pennsylvania.. six more weeks of winter ! :o(

Hugs,
Linda

This is the nicest note !

Below is a note that a customer sent me about my Stella Swampbottom froggie doll. This really makes a doll artist's day !

Hugs,
Linda

Stella did arrive and I haven't stopped smiling since she got here. I can't even tell you how much I like her - it makes me happy every time I see her. It is everything about her but especially the mask - it's just too much : ).
This is truly one of the best things I've ever purchased for myself. And, I have to tell you too that was the most fun I've ever had opening a package - ever!
She's taken up her post and she's the first thing you see when you come in the front door. I've got an army of people coming in next weekend so they'll all get to see her too! They'll be very envious : ).
Thank you so much for bringing this entertainment into my life! She'll be treasured.
Thanks for the bonus pumpkins too! This has been so much fun!!

Meet Stella Swampbottom ~ Debuting September 1st on TDIPT Mercantile

Click on photos to enlarge.


Caught in the spotlight !




Stella is masquerading this year as a witch. Wearing this *spooktacular* costume and toting her spider leg (beaded) trim bag, I am sure she will win first prize for the best attire! :o) She is 17 inches tall with her witchy hat. She is a tad plump with a round heavy weighted rag ( fabric scraps )and plastic poly pellet bottom, but please don't tell her I said that ! It must be from eating all those lollipops !

There is quite a lot of detail on her little witchy costume, her bag and mask. In the lighting, her color looks a little washed out; she is a warm coffee stained and cinnamon sage green and ivory.

She will be listed the evening of August 31st on TDIPT Mercantile for the month of September. Unless a handsome prince comes along and sweeps her off her feet ( little round bottom ) !

Enjoy your day and have a pleasant weekend !

Hugs,
Linda

** New ** Table and Chairs ! from the Antique Store

The print above the hoozier was a gift from a friend. I made a vingette from the vintage finds that I already had to complement the print.



This is my vintage kitchen and my **new** table and three chairs that I found a couple weeks ago in an antique store. The table has a porcelain top with leaves and has a drawer in one side. Even though I love the primitive look, I have a soft spot for a vintage kitchen and breakfast room. I made the cushions for the chairs from a piece of Longaberger ( basket ) fabric.

I made the long tiers on the windows from a store bought vintage style tablecloth and made the tiebacks with rick rack trim. The store bought valances match the tablecloth curtains.



The hoozier was a find 11 years ago for $200.



The white china cupboard was another steal at only $40.



The only thing missing from the photo is a homemade pie sitting on the hoozier !

Hugs,
Linda

Another reason to love Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, MD is not afraid to praise the Lord ! These photos were taken on the beach at Ocean City at night. These sculptures are permanently on the sand and lit up at night.

Hugs,
Linda