Forcing Spring Bulbs

Many types of bulbs can be planted in pots, chilled in a refrigerator or garage, and then forced into bloom in late winter or early spring.  Bulbs to force are best planted before December 1, so the end is coming for this fun project.  Good bulbs for forcing include Hyacinths, Crocus, Tulips, Narcissus, and Dwarf…

Bittersweet Tradition

I’m not talking about a tradition that is bittersweet, I’m talking about the plant, Bittersweet.  Bittersweet is a weed around here and if you are a farmer, you hate it.  It twines around fences, grows ups trees, and is difficult to get rid of.  If you like to decorate like me, you love it!  I…

Pumpkin Pasta
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Pumpkin Pasta

Would you ever think to combine pumpkin with pasta?  I sure wouldn’t, but once I tried it, I was hooked!  My Pumpkin Pasta is delicious and a dish that I look forward to making each fall and into winter.   Making the Pumpkin Pasta Here is the sauce simmering before I added the cheese and…

Goodbye 1980…Hello 2009

I treated myself to a new toy this weekend – a food processor.  I inherited Granny’s 1980ish Sunbeam when she moved into a retirement home.  It served me well for five years and then a small plastic piece broke, making the entire machine unusable.  Secretly I was glad.  Her food processor was a pain.  The…

Cancer Ball 2009

This past Friday night we attended a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.  I lost my dad to cancer in 1997 and like to support this charity when I can.  Supporting a charity, dressing up, dining and dancing – you can’t go wrong with that! Many of my buddies from tennis attended.  Becky (in the…

Cute New Outfit

I am in love with this top and skirt.  The top is so comfortable and will be perfect for tennis or for the gym.  The skirt is very flattering, comfortable, and it has the cutest pleats in the back.  Both are from the Nike Holiday 2009 line.  I will confess that I’d be happy if…

Burlap Pillow

The words burlap and pillow should never be used together.  Especially if you use the kind of burlap that I used.  Talk about scratchy!  This pillow will definitely be a “look at me” only pillow. I’ve been “itching” to do another burlap project since I made my table runner.  I had just enough burlap in…

Thanksgiving Mantel

Halloween things were packed away today and out came the turkeys.  I love collecting turkeys, especially turkey platters and antique turkey candles.  I spent a little time today changing my mantel to a Thanksgiving theme. September: November: I found these three antique candles in a shop in Roanoke. These turkey candles were made locally.  I…

Chili Cook Off

Mr. SP, Elsie, and I headed over the mountain Saturday afternoon to the quiet hamlet of Sedalia for an annual chili cook off competition.  Groups and businesses from all around start cooking in the wee hours of the morning to get their chili ready for the big competition.  Each competitor offers a small portion in…

Happy Halloween!

Have a great Halloween!  I hope that everyone has some fun activities planned.  This weekend has been a blast for us, so far.  Last night we went to a giant field party with a bonfire, band, hay rides, pony rides, and yummy food.  The roasted oysters were my favorite!  I danced until late in the…