"The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools."
- Henry Beston, Northern Farm
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Yesterday was a bit disjointed as my cleaning gal gave my home some sparkle and shine :) It was well over due and badly needed as we have had a couple of dust/wind storms blow through during the last week. I think fall may be here to stay. I actually had to wear a long sleeve shirt under my hoodie yesterday and the low is to get down into the 40's tonight. Now, listen Mother Nature - No More Warm Weather until at least April!! I love the weather with a chill in the air - it helps to make it feel like the holiday season is coming.
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PHOTO OF THE DAY
Gazing Ball in my side yard between the branches of the Japanese Maple and a fern
My gazing ball no longer gives us a reflection. Too many years, too many storms, too many bird droppings. It is still a special little attraction in my side yard. The gazing globe/ball had practical purposes in a southern antebellum garden. Placed strategically by the path from the front gate, southerners could see from the veranda who was calling before the caller could see them, allowing plenty of time to prepare refreshments for their guest or to hide — whichever was fitting. In Victorian times, the "Butler Ball" served as a mirror for servants to see when guests were needing assistance without staring at them throughout the meal. Another practical use was in the foyer of the home. Parents could keep a close eye on their daughter and her date as he bid her goodnight.
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I was able to make two more block for the Thread Head Quilt Along................
and.....................
These are block #3. EQ7 calls this block "Martha Washington's Star. It is a variation of a variable star. No squares put in sideways or upside down this time - lol!
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Since I was unable to get any more sewing in, how would you like an easy slow cooker recipe. This is a dessert recipe! Nothing better than fixing and forgetting and having dessert ready and warm after your meal. I borrowed this recipe from my daughter's blog, Kitschy Suburbia.
Apple (Not So) Crisp
Ingredients
6 medium apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 1/2 cups flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 cup butter, softened
Directions:
1. Grease slow cooker. Place apples in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, sugar, spices and butter. Cover the apples with the mixture, pressing down.
3. Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
Warm and delicious!!!
Person Notes:
1. If you do not like the texture of applesauce, you will not like this dish
2. I cooked for a full 4 hours.
3. Excellent reheated.
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GIVEAWAYS
Jaybird Quilts is having a sponsored giveaway for Above All Fabrics. She is giving away a beautiful fat quarter bundle. Check this out before Thursday, November 11th.
Don't forget to enter the giveaway at Leona's Quilting Adventure. She is celebrating having 200 followers and over 100 posts! This one also ends November 11th.
And, of course, there is always my "80th Post Celebration Giveaway" where you could win 2 1/3 yards of very pretty fabric. This one doesn't end until Tuesday, November 16th.
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FINAL THOUGHT
I hope this second day of the work week is going well for you. Mine should be a bit more productive than yesterday - the house all to myself once again. My home is my favorite place to be - with the outside world and adversity to stay where it belongs - on the other side of my front door. My family and friends are what make my house a home otherwise it would be just four walls and a roof, a place to eat and sleep. I hope your house is your home no matter where you live. All friends are welcome, my door is open to my home!
Peace - that was the other name for home.
~Kathleen Norris
TTFT !!(ta-ta for Tuesday)
10 comments:
G'morn, Linda ~
Love the 'history piece', had no idea.
TY for sharing the recipe & your quilt blocks are lovely.
Have a beautiful day ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
Loved learning about the uses of a gazing ball. Glad my parents didn't have one-teehee!
My gazing ball just had to be replaced after a cute little two year old decided to try throwing the ball. Hmmm. It was about 20 years old and, it too, had lost it's mirror image. I loved reading the history of it.
I am so glad to read that someone else makes apple crisp the same way that I do. Most recipes call for oatmeal and I love the "old fashioned" way with the flour, sugar and butter.
Hi Linda,
Interesting info about the gazing ball. Wonderful blocks for the Thread Head QAL... I think I may have missed that one. :-/ Thanks for the recipe! What kind/variety of apples did you use? It looks yummy.
Have a great day... Karen
I hope to have time to sew some of those blocks from Threadhead. Do like pieces of history.
www.quiltsampler.blogspot.com
I really like the first block! I'm glad you liked that recipe. :) Let me know how you liked the pumpkin gingerbread recipe.
Love your blocks.
Billie
What a fun post for Tuesday. I agree with you, my home is my favorite place to be too. I think I am going to have to try out your apple desert. Hubby loves apple pie and this looks like something he would enjoy with a big scoop of Ice Cream. Yum, Yum.
Thanks for sharing.
p.s. love your blocks.
Along with everyone else, I enjoyed your gazing ball information. They weren't just pretty things, but had to work for their place in the garden:) and I like your blocks.
I sure enjoy your tidbits of information. Liked the sundial post and especially today's gazing ball info. Reminded me of when I worked in a hospital, they had large 1/2 dome "gazing balls" attached to the ceiling & wall so you could see what/who was coming around the corner. Also, the apple crisp looks yummy!
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