Lets Be Friends

My friend, Christine awarded me with the
"Lets Be Friends" Award...

Here is what Christine had to say about Me...

K – K’s Kronicles I get fat at K's place....wonderful ideas, recipes, sweet, and a good hostess for her town..I love all her tours..


Description:

“These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I have meet so many wonderful and fantastic people in this world of bloggers...

My good and dear friend, Laurie suggested a while back I start a blog, and I have been hooked ever since the first page was written. I am no way a writer, but feel compelled to share a little piece of my life to those who want to receive...

And the Journey has been worth the ride...

Here are my eight...This was hard, as I follow and enjoy so many

Laurie: My Home for the Holidays

Peggy: The Simple Woman

Pat: Back Porch Musings

Sue: Country Pleasures

Rachel, Nichelle and Stacie: Cupcakes Take The Cake

Tracy: Daisy Cottage

Happy One: Live Is Good

Jen: Tatertots and Jello

I hope you take the time to visit some of my favorite places to sit a while....

Thanks, Christine for your kind words and your friendship!

Fasnaught Day

In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, today is not typically referred to as
"Fat Tuesday"
For us it's....Fasnaught Day!!

What is a Fasnaught you ask...??

The "True" Fasnaught is a plain donut. No sugar or hole in the middle.

FASNAUGHTS

2 c. sugar 2 eggs, well beaten 2 c. warm milk 3 pkgs. dry yeast 2 tsp. salt 2 tbsp. butter, softened 1 pt. potato water 10-11 c. all-purpose flour Cook potatoes reserving 1 pint of water. Add sugar while mashing potatoes when still warm. Add salt, eggs, milk. Dissolve yeast in warm potato water plus a little sugar. Add to other mixture. Add flour and butter gradually until it's real sticky. Let rise until double in volume. Punch down. Let rise again. Take portions of dough and place on floured surface and roll out until 1/2- inch thick. Using knife, cut in 3-inch strips. Let rise until double in volume. Fry in oil.

The Fasnaught is best when eaten with Molasses, which I had half of one on Saturday and the other half on Sunday..
We purchased half a dozen at Green Dragon on Friday from an Amish Stand. Which were the real deal when it comes to Fasnaughts...

Having been raised in the Heart Of Lancaster County, I was not aware there were so many different variations of Fasnanghts. After I starting working as a Nurse in Lebanon County, when Fat Tuesday came around staff at the hospital were overly rewarded with St Gertrude's Famous Fasnanghts, from families of patients....
People wait for hours in line for these overly large round donuts coated with sugar. The donuts are so fresh, they're still warm when you get them.
I must admit, they are the best darn donuts I have ever eaten when compared to the recipe I grew up on in Lancaster County...!!!!

Happy Fat Tuesday!!

Birthday Celebrations..Love Em When They're Someone Else's!!

Sunday Afternoon was spent trying to surprise a friend for her birthday,
Who I have known since grade school. Linda and I, along with several others from grade and high school reconnected on Facebook a little over a year ago.
It's been so much fun catching up and meeting up, every other month or so.

Linda is back into the single world and her children are grown, so a few decided to surprise her with a birthday luncheon.
Note to self, when you invite Linda, tell her meet up time is at least half an hour later than actual "meet up" time..!!
Linda was the first one to arrive, and those planning the surprise arrived 30 minutes before Linda was expected to be there...!!
So, we all kinda arrived at the same time, with Linda walking past us all as we sat in our vehicles from the parking lot watching as she entered the restaurant FIRST..!!!
We had a good laugh before the party even got started..

Linda was surprised and as usual, we had a blast!!


The following pictures are my gifts to Linda

Hand stitched towel

Handmade dress for dish soap

Handmade hot pad

Birthday Card

Our good friend, Laurie gave Linda this hysterical card of the
"Hootchie Koocthie" man...
You can tell by Linda's display, she had a good laugh!

Our guest of honor with friends, Doris and her husband. They drove to PA from Maryland to spend the afternoon with us!

Linda, Me and Laurie


I have the best time with this great bunch of Gals...Old friends truly are the best!!

The Day Of The Dragon

Yesterday my husband and I decided to take advantage of the fact it was Friday
and with that comes, Green Dragon day..!!

Green Dragon is a huge area of old buildings settled in a very rural area of Lancaster County, PA.
At the Dragon, You will find the freshest of Vegetables, Meats, Cheeses, Baked Goods, Spices of All kinds, Crafts and Antiques and a live auction of Livestock.
Many Amish are still vendors at the Dragon selling their fresh products. When I am able to get back, which is not very often, I am still amazed the same families (from one generation to another), who have been stand vendors for more years than I am old, are still in the same place selling the same goodies I remember as a child.
I have the layout of the land forever imprinted in my mind as I effortless wind my way through the buildings searching out my favorite stands...

I spent my very early years at Green Dragon. There was never any question as to what we were doing on a Friday night in the Spring, Fall and sometimes winter months. My mother would get her fresh vegetables and cheeses she needed for the week. Sometimes she also purchased fresh meats, but with a butcher in our hometown the purchase of meats was not always a priority at the "Dragon". One item that was always purchased, a Huge Basket of fresh potatoes. I remember the exact spot my father would stand by as my mother inspected the baskets waiting for her approval, at which point he would so effortlessly hoist up the basket on to his shoulders and carry the basket to car, as my mother paid the vendor. Potato shopping was first on the agenda and then off to Mother's favorite stands for the freshness of veggies and cheese.

Yesterday was no exception for me, I did not purchase the basket of potatoes like my mother, I did however get some fruit, spices and baked goods for us humans and our Yorkie, Pete!!
I also found some homemade items for gift giving and my personal use.
Oh, and did I mention...Food!! We had to sample some of the good food made on the premises as we made our way around the stands. I had an Oyster sandwich to start, which my husband willing finished for me. Way too much for me to finish at one time... My husband had a fresh fish sandwich. Later we found ourselves wanting some soup, so we sat down at one of the several open restaurants and ordered some homemade soup. I had one of my favorites, Split Pea with Ham. My husband tried the Oyster Stew. Oyster Stew is also one of my favorites, but I chose the Split Pea and wasn't disappointed in the least....

I was looking for some old jars and wood containers, but with the fierce winds we have been having and cold temperatures, I did not take advantage of the outside vendors where you usually can find those finds....next trip on a warmer Friday!

Here are some Pictures of my finds:






















This find is a handmade "dress" for a liquid dish soap container. I have always kept this small container on my sink, for easy access to clean off dishes before placing in the dishwasher or a quick wash. I thought this was an awesome way to "dress" up a plain looking dish soap container and the sink area...



The pictures below are homemade treats for Pete. The cupcake is made of carrots and peanut butter. The flower is made from non-dairy cream. They were a big hit with Pete!!
The bag of treats are soft peanut butter bones. Pete loves his peanut butter!!!

If you ever find yourself in Lancaster County, PA on a Friday.
Take the time to visit, Green Dragon.
You won't be disappointed!!!

Hoodie Hoo...WHO..???

Wendy, over at thebendintheroad, has posted on
Hoodie Hoo Day....

Skip on over to her blog and read up on it...!!

Never knew there was such a thing...!!

Have a great Friday and Fantastic Weekend, All!!!

K

Savoring Every Bite

On Valentine's Day,

my husband and I had a late Lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.

I usually do not indulge in dessert.
With it being V Day and all, my husband was insistent on the dessert.
One of many mouth watering home made pies listed, was one of my absolute must haves if dessert is part of it all...


Coconut Cream Pie

This piece of Coconut Cream Pie was so huge,
I immediately asked for a container when the waitress brought the pie to the table.
I left a small piece on the plate to eat then and brought the remainder home.

I have been "nibbling" on this pie since Saturday and surprisingly so,
I still have quiet a large piece left.


Yes, I am a cheap date...
But Fun!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Organic can be precious, too!

Below are the hand knit booties I purchased this past weekend while browsing shops in Lititz.

I immediately fell in love with these, so precious Organic Booties. Notice the Diaper Pin used to clip the pair together..!!

I love giving hand made items as gifts, especially as a baby gift...
It makes it so much more personal and sentimental..!!

More than an Ice Cube

My hometown of Lititz this weekend had a walking tour through Downtown Main.
The main event, Ice Sculptures...
They were absolutely exquisite..!!
As you can see below..

Pineapple

Kneeling Stone

What every Gal dreams of receiving....A Diamond

Hammer and Saw

Racing Car

These are just a few sculptures of many that lined the street. It was a beautiful afternoon as my husband and I strolled the town and took advantage of some browsing throughout the many quaint stores.

I was very good at not purchasing many many items for sale I just loved, I did walk away with one item from a Vintage Store.
A pair of hand knitted booties laced with ribbon to tie off the tops...
I purchased them for a young lady who is having her first baby in July..
I can't wait to gift them for her first born...
Maybe they will be kept and handed down to future generations..!!?

Hope you had a great weekend and a special Valentine's Day!

Chocolate Day

Hope you all enjoy your Valentine's Day..!

St. Valentine's Day...A Test Of Faith..??

The Legend Goes...

According To The Ascension Research Center

The Following Tells How Valentine's Day Came To Be...
The story of Valentine's Day begins in the third century with an oppressive Roman emperor and a humble Christian martyr. The emperor was Claudius II Gothicus. The Christian was Valentinus.

Claudius had ordered all Romans to worship state religion's idols, and he had made it a crime punishable by death to associate with Christians. But Valentinus was dedicated to the ideals of Christ, and not even the threat of death could keep him from practicing his beliefs.

During the last weeks of Valentinus's life a remarkable thing happened. One day a jailer for the Emperor of Rome knocked at Valentinus's door clutching his blind daughter in his arms. He had learned of Valentinus's medical and spiritual healing abilities, and appealed to Valentinus to treat his daughter's blindness. She had been blind since birth. Valentinus knew that her condition would be difficult to treat but he gave the man his word he would do his best. The little girl was examined, given an ointment for her eyes and a series of re-visits were scheduled.

Seeing that he was a man of learning, the jailer asked whether his daughter, Julia, might also be brought to Valentinus for lessons. Julia was a pretty young girl with a quick mind. Valentinus read stories of Rome's history to her. He described the world of nature to her. He taught her arithmetic and told her about GOD. She saw the world through his eyes, trusted in his wisdom, and found comfort in his quiet strength.

"Valentinus, does GOD really hear our prayers?" Julia said one day. "Yes, my child, He hears each one, "he replied.

"Do you know what I pray for every morning and every night? I pray that I might see. I want so much to see everything you've told me about!"

"GOD does what is best for us if we will believe in HIM," Valentinus said.

"Oh, Valentinus, I do believe," Julia said intensely. "I do." She knelt and grasped his hand. They sat quietly together, each praying.

Several weeks passed and the girl's sight was not restored. Yet the man and his daughter never wavered in their faith and returned each week.

Then one day, Valentinus received a visit from Roman soldiers who arrested him, destroyed his medicines and admonished him for his religious beliefs. When the little girl's father learned of his arrest and imprisonment, he wanted to intervene but there was nothing he could do.

On the eve of his death, Valentinus wrote a last note to Julia - knowing his execution was imminent. Valentinus asked the jailer for a paper, pen and ink. He quickly jotted a farewell note and handed it to the jailer to give to his blind daughter. He urged her to stay close to GOD, and he signed it "From Your Valentine." His sentence was carried out the next day, February 14, 270 A.D., near a gate that was later named Porta Valentini in his memory.

When the jailer went home, he was greeted by his little girl. The little girl opened the note and discovered a yellow crocus inside. The message said, "From your Valentine." As the little girl looked down upon the crocus that spilled into her palm she saw brilliant colors for the first time in her life! The girl's eyesight was restored! A miracle!

He was buried at what is now the Church of Praxedes in Rome. It is said that Julia herself planted a pink-blossomed almond tree near his grave. Today, the almond tree remains a symbol of abiding love and friendship. In 496 Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as Saint Valentine's Day. On each Valentine's Day, messages of affection, love and devotion are still exchanged around the world.

Happy Valentine's Day!

My Five Questions

My friend, Wendy is asking her Friends random questions. I decided to partake in the fun...

Here it goes, Wendy's questions for me...!!

1. What is your favorite room in your house?

My Kitchen, by far!!! The place were I hang with my family and friends. I make and create the old and newest dishes for those near and dear, were I have created many crafts over the years, some so awesome I amazed myself, some I would never admit my hands created it....

2. What is your favorite comfort food, and what is your strongest memory tied to it?

Mashed Potatoes.....my mother made "real" mashed potatoes, a lot! It's really quite amazing the different dishes you can make with leftover mashed potatoes...

3. Who is your hero? (Why?)

That's a hard one....I have many who have been a big influence in my life and taught me so much. I guess it would have to be my Aunt June. She was always very supportive of me and my decisions in life and was not afraid to put it out there for me in a way I always respected.

4. What is the greatest vacation you have ever been on?

Our mini trips to the beach...they are so relaxed and fun! We make no specific plans, except dinner at our favorite crab restaurant on the bay....We have gone on many long distant trips, but the yearly beach trips are the best!

5. If money were no object, I would enrich my life by…

Set up accounts for children, grandchildren..ect. that must be used for education and non profit organizations...

Now I would love to interview you and you and you. So here is what you do. Come on now, don't be shy. I will be nice I promise. It is a great way to get to know you. Besides its great way to have something to blog about when you're in a rut.

1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me."
2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. (I get to pick the questions).
3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions.
4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

Let me hear from you and what sparks your interest...!!!

Sure....I remember you!!??

Sunday afternoon I had the best time reconnecting with some great people from my graduating class of Warwick High 1980...

The meet ups started a year ago when some of us discovered one another on Facebook.



Shane, Me and Laurie
Shane's Father was our High School Principal, Mr. Swish who we All Love and highly Respect!



Linda, Bev Hess L and Bev Keener V..
Quiet side of the table!

Since our discoveries on Facebook, we have had several meet ups through out the past year. Most involving some type of food and starbucks!

Sunday was no exception. We met late afternoon at a favorite location in our hometown,
Scooters Restaurant and Bar

After several hours of food being ordered non stop and unlimited refills on most drinks...we decided to take the meet up down the road to Starbucks...

Unlike Scooters where we had tables reserved for our group, Starbucks was hopping with a much younger crowd and no seats!!! After a short time the "Young Ones" made their leave, but not before we had some from the "Young" group take pictures of our group, the "Seniors"...!!!
With age comes, we are not afraid to ask!!



Laurie and Carol at Scooters. I have not seen Carol since Graduation!
It was great to catch up with her...I hope Carol continues to join our Meet Ups.


After Scooters some headed to Sbuxs for our Dessert!!!
Mocha for me, Please!


Bev Having Family time with her Son and Daughter at Sbuxs,
who just happened to be a part of the Young Group.
BTW..Bev's first time at Starbuxs!!!!

It has been so neat gathering and catching up with each other, getting different spins on life and hearing stories from the past, family, personal accomplishments and what direction we are all heading into in this stage of our lives from where we have been....Wendy is our professional Actor in the group....Seriously!

What surprises me the most is, after all these years..29 to be exact, we still have so much in common, never a loss for words and how comfortable we feel with each other. I can honestly say, I have a special connection with this awesome group of "friends" that when we meet there is no competition or pettiness. I truly feel we have arrived into the adults our teachers and administration could only hope for all those, who pass through the halls of Warwick High...

Next Meet Up in the planning stages!

News From CPSC....UGH

Here is a link for the Stay of Enforcement for Lead Guidelines for all you crafty entrepreneurs..

Guidelines From CPSC

After reading through the guidelines, it doesn't sound too bad..??

Go Red For Women..

Today is all about
Going Red For Women...

So in honor of all you Fabulous Women out there in Blog Land and those who have survived Heart Disease or lost someone due to Heart Disease,
which is the number one killer in women..
Go and visit this
blog I recently found catering to

Cupcakes

Your probably wondering what Cupcakes have to do with Women and Heart Disease..?? Well....go check it out!!

And get your palate watering looking at all those tasty looking treats

If your like me, Ya love a good Cupcake!!

Remember Ladies..

Get your physicals and numbers checked, eat healthy and do moderate exercise..

And eat those Cupcakes in moderation, too!!

Quilters Of South Carolina

The Artfull Bras Project for Breast Cancer Awareness
Quilters Of South Carolina

A friend sent me this site information via my email and I would like to pass it on and share.
Please take the time to read and view the link above
"Quilters Of South Carolina"
and see the creativity from this outstanding group of Ladies for
Breast Cancer Awareness..

My favorites are
Carolyn's Garden and Tickled Pink , My Sister's Sense of Humor"

What's your favorite...??

Are You Talking To....ME???

I feel like I have been neglecting my blog here of late.

It seems so much is happening at one time and I have "Stuff" that requires my attention.

Yesterday we met with our Banker and signed the necessary paper work to release the funds to purchase our New Endeavor...

Settlement is set for Friday the 13th!!

Some may see that day as a curse, I however do not.
My Mother was born on the 13th of her Birth month, as well as my youngest nephew. So for me, the 13th is a "Lucky" and Special day and one to be celebrated!!!

And Celebrate we will!

I had my scheduled hair appointment this morning at the Salon I have been a client with for many years...

I was totally shocked when my hairstylist smiled and said,
"So, do I say congratulations on your recent purchase?"

I looked and felt totally confused when asked that question, it took me a few seconds to register what she was asking as she is beaming from ear to ear..

And I might add, was totally shocked..! that she would have knowledge (already) about our property investment. There truly is something to be said for small towns and Salons...!! And welcome this acknowledgment with grace.

I hope I can live up to the challenge of being a good business person in a town of high exceptions from those receiving the service...just as I expect nothing less than the best services, respectfully so.


Today I had the pleasure of setting up new accounts for Online Banking.
I recently transferred my accounts to another banking institution. I was not pleased with my most recent bank, so I decided with the personal transitions taking place it was time to make the changes.

Oh...I had forgotten how grueling it can be to get funds transferred, waiting periods for this and that, NO bank card for several days...WHAT??? I need to make sure I have "Cash" in my wallet...What's that??? And then the time sucking, (please don't ask me for another password) involved setting up a service that is WONDERFUL after you figure it all out..! And hoping you remember those New passwords...and oh...I now have to Change my password every 6 months...WTH??? Who's idea was this to change Banks..???


I think I'll be fine, I only need to remember where I wrote down the passwords to reference!!??

60 Minute Steelers

What a Superbowl for all who watched...
It's a very Happy Day in PA!

I am not letting the news that Phil, the Ground Hog saw his shadow this morning,(meaning there is 6 more weeks of winter predicted) ruin my day!!

Today, I along with many, will savor the thrill and excitement feelings tumbling around in our bodies for the Steelers 6 time win of the Superbowl..!!

What comes in two's comes in three's..Right??
World Series, Superbowl...What's next??

How are those 76ers doing??