YOU'RE SWEET . . . VALENTINE!

Yes, Valentine's Day is just about here.  Typically a day to think of romance and sweethearts which is very necessary, but it's also a day to think of those we LOVE!  Family and friends are very important in our lives and today I'd like to say a special THANK YOU to my FAMILY!!!  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to my FAMILY!!

WALK in WINTER WONDERLAND

 We had spring earlier this week, no snow on the ground and mud drying up.  But it has been snowing for most of the last two days.  I put on my snowshoes and went trekking out in the snow with my doggie friend, Bramble!

We have more than eight inches but less than a foot . . so far.  I'm just happy it's piling it up in "my mountains" for our summer water supply.

Bramble and I had a fun time out today and she loves it when I make snowballs to throw for her to catch!

a PINCUSHION for a PINCUSHION

 Unique, handmade pincushions are always fun to have and it's nice to get a new one now and then.  So, I recently participated in a Pincushion swap with a farmgirl friend.  The little ceramic basket with roses and different colored pins is the one I made for Laurie.
The pincushion that rather resembles a pink spring garden hat is the one she made for me.  She included a box of pins with flower shaped yellow heads and a spool of thread.  A fun, creative swap!  Thank you, Laurie!

WINDOW to my FLOWERS

 This is an ATC I made for a swap in a group I participate in.  The theme was anything that we could incorporate into a window or a door.  I chose this tri-fold style with window cutouts, using a photograph I took of one of my rock gardens with phlox and Russian sage.

The little knobs on the window are pink jewel-look rounds. 
ATCs are such fun to make, and addicting too!  Don't forget they are only 2 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.

TEENY TINY GLAMPER

Now, isn't this just the cutest little glamper trailer.  It was sent to me as a gift from a very caring, thoughtful farmgirl friend.  The sign is personalized for what Robin and I call ourselves as glampers.  The green chair in front of the door has been personalized with "CJ" on it and the green striped chair on top of the trailer has been personalized with "Robin" on it.  There are little "flood" lights on both sides of the sign and over by the BBQ, there is a light inside and the Christmas lights around the trailer light up. On the signpost at the right there is a sign that says "Shower" on it and between it and the trailer is a clothesline with a pair pink pants and a green shirt hanging on it. There are all kinds of antique looking suitcases on top, an unbrella, mats/rugs and there are burgers on the grill!  It is just so CA-UTE and FUN-N-N-N!!!!!  It'll go with us on our glamping adventures too!

"CHERRY WINKS" Recipe

I know this is past Christmas, but I think you can make these anytime you want to.  Here's the recipe:

CHERRY WINKS

I cup sugar (I used brown sugar)
3/4 cup shortening
2 tblsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 all purpose flour (I used whole wheat for 1/2 cup of the total)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped pecans  or walnuts
1 c. chopped dates
1/3 c. chopped maraschino cherries, patted dry with paper towel
1 1/2 c. coarsely crushed corn flakes cereal
15 maraschino cherries, quartered (?)

In large bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl occ. until well blended.  Beat in milk, vanilla and eggs. On low speed beat in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.  Stir in nuts, dates and 1/3 c. chopped cherries.  If necessary, can cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 min. for easier handling.

Heat oven to 375, spray cooking spray on cookie sheets.  Drop dough by rounded teaspoons into cereal and coat thoroughly, shape into balls.  Place 2 inches apart on sheet and lightly press maraschino cherry quarter into the top.

Bake 10-15 min. or until light golden brown, Cool 1 min. then remove to cooling racks.

ASPEN BOWL ALL DECKED OUT!

My husband is a woodturner and knifemaker.  He has made some beautiful things from wood and this is one of his pieces.  It is an aspen bowl that he actually carved from a huge aspen burl, keeping the natural look to the underside.   I wanted to use it this year to display some of the vintage glass ornaments that I've been blessed with.  The aqua/silver ornament in the center has "Merry Christmas" on it in flocked white lettering.   Merry Christmas!!!