I think I did better for Pink Saturday. I do have lots of pink items in my house.
If you are not participating in these days, please join us….it is fun.
Roy always brings me flowers.
This is one of a small collection of cats I have called Whimsiclay by Amy Lacombe. Since we have 5 cats, it seemed reasonable to collect a few cat figurines.
Not sure how much pink to display, so I will stop for today.
Hope you have a very Pink Saturday!
See Y’all
Barbara
Before you read Flaunt your Red, please say a prayer for Roy, his sister and their mother.
The cancer has spread throughout her body, she is in terrible pain and they have changed from morphine, which wasn’t helping, to another drug. They moved her to the wing of the hospital for those who are terminally ill and only have a short time left. They have removed the feeding tube and if the pain can’t be controlled, they will put her in a coma.
Roy has said his goodbye’s, but his sister is having a hard time.
We are praying for a speedy peaceful death.
Thank you,
Barbara and Roy
Boy, I have been searching my house for red. It took a while to find a few insignificant things but they are red. So here we go and remember no laughing or throwing stones, I did my best. I notice there is no day for purple, then I could put you all to shame!!!
Ceramic cat with red dress
Painted cow
Red Boot
Roy has a small collection of Coke memorabilia
Sign hangs on the Mud Room wall
I welded these horse shoes and made a napkin holder.
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Last but by no means least, I give you the Miss Baton Rouge (Miss Red Stick), my birthday gift in June 2008. This is my pride and joy.
This was my first time to participate in Flaunt your Red…..but it was fun.
See Y’all
Barbara
I am not your wonderful gourmet cook or baker, but I love to try new easy recipes and I collect cookbook….go figure!
This pie was easy and so rich.
3 cups pecan pieces, divided
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter ( melted)
1 bag (14oz.) caramels
2/3 cup whipping cream (divided)
1 pkg (8 squares)semi sweet baking chocolate
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place 2 cups of the pecan pieces in food processor or blender..process until finely ground. Mix with sugar and butter. Press firmly into bottom and up sides of a 9 inch pie pan. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely.
Microwave caramels and 1/3 cup of whipping cream in bowl on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Stir until completely melted. Pour on crust. Chop remaining 1 cup pecans; sprinkle over caramel layer.
Place chocolate, remaining whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla in a saucepan; cook on low heat just until chocolate is completely melted, stirring constantly. Pour over pie; gently spread to evenly cover top of pie. Refrigerate at least 2 hours. Store leftover pie in refrigerator.
10 servings
This pie is very rich, so I reduce the size of each slice.
I bought some purple hyacinths yesterday for the patio….soon they will look like this.
We also bought another tomato plant, one of ours got a little frost biten and some cilantro.
See Y’all
Barbara
ASH WEDNESDAY is the first day of Lent, a 40 day period that ends on Easter , which is April 12th this year.
The Roman Catholic Church and other Christian denominations consider this as a time for reflection, penance, prayer, and works of charity.
In this world where there is not much self-denial, Ash Wednesday reminds us of self denial of things we are attached to. Many people use this time to give up something they really like, ice cream, meat, going out to eat, etc. Others say it is not about giving up something, but doing something that might benefit someone else.
During times of high stress, such as now with our nation’s recession—more people turn to their faith and Lent is the perfect time for self reflection. Basically, Lent is the time to help us clarify who we are in relationship with God.
When ashes are received on the forehead, the Priest or Minister repeats the words “Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return”. Some Denominations say “ We repent and believe in the good news”.
The Ashes used on this day are usually prepared on Tuesday by the clergy. Palm leaves are burned, the ashes allowed to cool and then collected to be used today.
Whatever your religion or your beliefs, the crisis in the world around us needs our prayers. Pray for our world leaders, the sick and suffering, our friends, family and for yourself. Lent is the perfect time to spend a little extra time on our knees.
Ash Wednesday Prayer
Jesus, you place on my forehead
the sign of my sister Death:
“Remember you are dust,
and to dust you shall return.”
How not hear her wise advice?
One day my life on earth will end;
the limits on my years are set,
though I know not the day or hour.
Shall I be ready to go to meet you?
Let this holy season be a time of grace
for me and all this world.
“Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain wisdom of heart.”
O Jesus, you place on my forehead
the sign of your saving Cross:
“Turn from sin and be faithful
to the gospel.”
How can I turn from sin
unless I turn to you?
You speak, you raise your hand,
you touch my mind and call my name,
“Turn to the Lord your God again.”
These days of your favor
leave a blessing as you pass
on me and all your people.
Turn to us, Lord God,
and we shall turn to you.
Where ever you are and what ever you are doing, have a day filled with God’s love.
Barbara
The word Shrove ( comes from to shrive or hear confession). Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday and it is the last day of Carnival. It occurs 46 days before Easter. All parties and parades continue until the stroke of midnight.Traditionally on this day the fatten calf was slaughtered and there was feasting and celebrating. Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday which is the start of Lent for Christians.
Carnival season kicks off with the Epiphany also known as Twelfth Night, which fall on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas, which celebrates the visit of the Wise Men bearing gifts to the Baby Jesus. It ends today.
Mardi Gras came to the New World in 1699, when a French explorer arrived at the Mississippi River about 60 miles from the present day New Orleans. He named the place Point du Mardi Gras, he knew the holiday was being celebrated in his native country that day.
The colors of Mardi Gras, green is for faith, gold is for power, and purple is justice.
The most famous food is the king cake, in which a tiny plastic baby is hidden and the person who get the baby, is the Queen of that group and must give the party next year.
Mardi Gras is celebrated in many cities, some small and others large. Largest is in New Orleans, Mobile has a big celebration, Galveston was a huge success before the hurricane and will be back this year, Port Arthur,Texas also has one and I am sure I could keep on listing cities that celebrate Carnival.
There is a lot of history behind this celebration, if you are interested, there is loads of information on the internet.
So Eat Hearty and Party, for tomorrow begins Lent.
Have a great day!
See Y’all
Barbara
There were so many beautiful things to see, and I love to look at them, but I am not shabby chic or live in a wonderful cottage.
My style and furniture is eclectic.
Sharon and I both bought one of these metal bird baths. Laurie had them on long tables filled with flowers, etc as center pieces. My table is too small, so I will put it on floor and decorate it for Easter. 
Here is a roll of burlap wired ribbon, several rolls of green moss, green eggs, a nest and I bought 6 of the square white plates.
I have lots of Easter stuff, so I just picked out things to redo and add to my stuff.
This is Roy’s Waterford Ships Decanter. He is so proud of it.
Changing the subject completely…
I have pictures of my tomato plants.
Sorry the sun was very bright, but they have really grown. I can’t wait for some real tomatoes.
I am off this morning to take Fritz (very large black dog, part Chow) to the vet to have them cut some of his hair and give him a bath.
While that is happening, a quick trip to College Station to pick up a few things.
Roy has gone to Corpus Christi to see his mother, we received a phone call Saturday night that she is very close to the end. They have taken her to the hospital. Please pray for her and Roy, he is taking this very hard.
The cancer has spread throughout her whole body and she is in a great deal of pain.
Your prayers will be greatly appreciated.
See Y’all.
Barbara
CANTON here we come. Sharon Sarandos (one of the most talented, gifted and giving lady I have the pleasure of knowing) and I left at 7:30 a.m for Canton to Laurie Anna’s Serendipity Market.
Not only were we anxious to see the merchandise, Laurie Anna and of course the sweet Tina of Cherry Hill Cottage,but they were serving champagne and finger food.
We arrived a few minutes after 9:00 and the place was alive with ladies and gents, who were just dying to buy some or all of the beautiful merchandise that was for sale.
Outside on the porch, Patina Green had her lovely wares displayed and on the ground was Willow’s Nest.
I took as many pictures as I could…….
This is Tina and my wonderful friend Sharon. We didn’t have a lot of time to visit, Tina was very busy helping customers.
This is Laurie Anna trying to check out the long line of talking, laughing ladies with all their purchases.
We left with our bags of goodies and oh yes, we had our glass of champagne!
Next on our list was Paul Mitchell’s, a little disappointing. They had closed off part of their store to rearrange and most of the Easter was in that part.
Not to be discouraged we headed into town and visited another antique store and then on the totheTea Room for lunch.
Just to walk off our lunch, we decided to visit a few shops around the square…first stop a darling boutique called The Very Thing, and they have in my humble opinion some of the cutest clothes and accessories….I took a couple of things off her hands. We visited a few more stores, then headed to Athens.
We stopped at the Sweet Pea and then found a cute shop with a Tea Room and had dessert.
Next stop was Star of Texas Antiques in Palestine on Oak Street. She was putting out Easter and had some cute Easter Trees, etc.
As I stepped up to the counter to pay for the nest and eggs I had bought, there sat a Waterford Crystal Ship’s Decanter for less than 1/2 price in perfect condition. Wow, there was Roy’s birthday present.
Laughing, broke and so happy to have shared my Friday with Sharon, we headed home. Sharon with a head full of ideas and me to feed dogs, cats and goats.
What a great day we had….wish each of you could have been with us.
Hope I haven’t bored you. Tomorrow I will show you some of our purchases.
Love.
See Y’all
Barbara
Yesterday was Bridge Club and guess who had the highest score…yep..the Purple Goat Lady. We all had a great time, there was lots of laughter and great desserts provided by the hostess. We all bring our own lunch.
TODAY, I am so excited, Sharon and I are headed to Canton for the first Serendipity Market given by Laurie Anna at Laurie Anna’s Vintage Home. She will be joined by Patina Green and Willow Nest Farms displaying their wares for Spring. They are serving Champagne this morn and I am sure it will be a gala affair. Sharon and I are leaving at 7:30, it is about 100 miles, but you know that is just a short day trip in Texas. I will take pictures to share with those who live to far away to join us.
Janie at Southern Lagniappe won the heart bracelet at Valentine’s and I resized it for her to give to her granddaughter Avery. She was so kind as to sent me pictures of Avery opening the gift. Thoughtful things like that make and keep the world a wonderful place to be. Thanks Janie!
I taught a class in the Texas Prison System for 4 years preparing men to return to society with some skills to help them be better and more productive citizens. We talked every morn about random acts of kindness, and some actually tried to do that within the walls of the prison.
Some days I forget, but since I have started blogging, I am trying harder to do at least one act of kindness everyday. I know most of you do, but if not join me in my efforts.
I will leave you with a recipe today. One of my favorite cookbook is Southern Sideboards from the Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi.
Stuffed Spice Peaches
2 (29 oz) jars of spiced peaches (reserve juice)
2 (3oz) packages orange gelatin
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 to 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
Grease a 6-cup ring mold lightly with oil. Bring peach juice to a boil; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Cool Mix cream cheese, pecans and mayo.
Remove the seed from each peach and stuff with the cream cheese mixture.
Press the halves back together so that the peaches appear whole. Place stuffed peaches close together in mold and pour gelatin over them. Refrigerate until congealed. Turn out of mold onto lettuce covered tray. Serve with mayo. Serves 12
ENJOY!
See Y’all
Barbara
Are you tired of buying thick skinned, almost no smell, with light colored insides and most of all no taste tomatoes? It hardly looks like a real tomato and within a day or two they are all soft and mushy. I am, I love tomatoes. There is nothing better than a warm red ripe tomato sandwich.
Grow your own…so easy and for us in the south, it is time to plant. There are many places to buy and many varieties to choose from. I like Beefsteak tomatoes because of their size and flavor.
I just planted 4 tomato plants that were about 6 inches high in large pots. They are sitting out under my shed on the barn. Planting in pots make them so easy to care for, you can move them around according to the weather. I water about every three days until small fruit appears and then you may need to water a little every day.
With a little TLC, you will be surprised in about 12 weeks the number of tomatoes you will have from just a few plants.
I am sure there are lots of bloggers out there who have a garden or who grow a few vegetables in pots or their flower beds. If so, please share so tips with us . I will report my progress with pictures every few weeks.
Salads here we come!
ps I love my new Dell All-In-One Computer.
Three cords!!!!!!!!!
See Y’all
Barbara
Roy came home from the rig with a pair of shorts that needed a button. No big deal, right?
1. eyeball the button whole to get an idea of the size you need and …
2. check the color of the thread used in sewing the shorts.
3 now we are ready to start our hunt for the above items.
4. we also need a needle and a pair of scissors.
Buttons…I have tons
This is just one of many drawers
needles and the right color of thread
All we need now is a pair of scissors and we are in business……
Oh well, he has his button and he is happy, so why am I stressing over these “Over the Hill Shorts”
MEN, don’t we just love them!
Ps Tara left Saturday afternoon, we had a wonderful visit. She is planning on coming back on the Fourth of July, so she can ride my new jet ski.
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This is the Miss Baton Rouge…..Roy bought this ski for me.
If you like to ride, come on over and we will spend the day on the lake.
See Y’ all
A Happy Mother
