Stay.See.Make.Do.

Fall wreath

Here it is:

I'm not sure I like it. What do you think?

Stick it to me.

I trimmed a dogwood bush and decided to make a twig wreath. Here's how it started:

When it stops raining I'll show you how it ended.

Ric - Rac

I found some great vintage aprons at a couple of yard sales recently and thought I'd share with you the
embroidery on the ric-rac detailing.

Having never seen ric-rac applied any way but with a straight machine stitch, I found this fascinating.

Then today at JoAnn Fabric I bought Simplicty pattern 4282 from their Vintage Simplicity line that shows an eerily similar, if not the very same, apron (bottom left corner).  Spooky.  I love it when things come full circle.

Take it or leaf it.

The children had a grand time Friday playing in the fallen leaves.  On the one hand, having so many trees in the yard makes successful gardening difficult, but on the other hand, who can complain when you are given so much material for Autumn frolicking?

One of my early childhood memories is the smell of dry leaves... love it.  I hope you have a chance to enjoy the season, wherever you are in the world.

A Fresh Start.

Happily, a new blog. And this, the first post, feels like a crisp cotton quilt hanging on the line in the sun, waving in the breeze. Isn't that cheery? There's nothing like that clean-air scent, and nothing like the potential of a new beginning.
My goal for this blog is like the goal I have for my home: to make it a fun and interesting space, yet also calm and comfortable. Feel free to knock at the back door instead of the front, and come in your apron to borrow a cup of sugar. While you're here let's sit down for a chat over coffee or tea, and do try one of these Sugar Drop cookies.

Must you go so soon? I hope you come back often.

Sugar Drop Cookies
from my Aunt H.

1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
4 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp vanilla

Cream together oil, butter, sugars. Add eggs and beat well. Combine dry ingredients and add to sugar mixture. Add vanilla. Mix well. Chill dough until firm. Roll into balls (or use little scoop) and flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F until just the teensiest bit tan on the edges.