Weekend Puttering~

This past Father's Day weekend was so pleasant!  The weather was nice, as the humidity wasn't very high.  I did some baking, sewing for my Etsy shop, sowed some seeds in the garden, did a little reading and enjoyed the company of my family.

the studio guard cat

I baked some peanut butter cookies using the only recipe that I have used for years, some of which I made into thumbprint cookies, using some strawberry jam that I had in the pantry.

On Father's Day, I made a quick and easy devils food cake with cream cheese frosting, because that is my husband's favorite type of cake.  I did cheat a bit by using a cake mix, but I added my own twist to it to make it a bit...extra, as the kids say nowadays.😃

I hope your Father's day weekend was enjoyable and spent with those you love!

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

Summertime Backyard Sittin'

the view from my patio chair at dusk

This past Saturday, the weather was so delightful, what with it's low humidity and all, I couldn't help but harness up our kitty Galahad, and head out back for some sky gazing.

The soft, warm breezes delicately caressed my face as I cuddled up in the gently descending blanket of dusk.  Galahad lay in the grass nearby, taking in the wonders that the dreams of indoor kitties are made of.  Cicada song, toads chirping and seeing sights that only his keen feline vision could detect in the inky atmosphere. 

And then, after a little while, when the darkness had descended full on, the buzzing began.  Surrounding us.  I tried to be brave, as whatever it was flew from plant to plant.  But then I could take it no more.  I unleashed Galahad and scurried inside, much to his dismay.  I'm OUT!

You see, we have palmetto bugs in these here parts, which for the uninitiated, are basically big ol' roach-y bugs that can be over an inch long.  And can fly (I'm getting heebie jeeebie goosebumps just thinking about the times I have been chased by them).  And they tend to live in palm trees.  There's their condo right there...

It was nice while it lasted.

I hope you had a weekend full of adventure as well!

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

Coming Out of Hibernation, Going into Hibernation~

self seeded Johnny jump ups

It has been a long winter.  Yes, I realize winter is long over and we are now heading into summer.  Some seasons in our lives feel cold and desolate no matter what the temperature is outside.  I am just now feeling the warmth in my heart again to reflect the rising mercury on the thermometer.  Coming out of hibernation.  

My dad went into the hospital a couple of weeks before Christmas last year, due to his ongoing health battle.  In March, shortly before what would have been his birthday, we had to say goodbye.  Being the introvert that I am, it's times like these that I tend to turn inward. To reflect, regroup and recharge.  But time marches on, carrying healing with it.  And life is for the living.  I know he would want nothing but the best for each of us.  And so, since this little online journal of mine brings me joy, journal I must.

self seeded coleus and four o'clocks 

As much as has changed, many things remain the same.  The "dailies" that must be done to keep the family and home well nourished and loved.  And then there's the puttering in the garden, sewing, and the myriad other things I do, just because.  These are the things that have gotten me through the past half year.

And as the temperature rises, I go back into hibernation~ of a different sort.  Yes, as the heat rises and the humidity blankets us, I am hibernating indoors again in the cool of the air conditioning.  I know I've mentioned my aversion to the heat and humidity before so I will try not to bore you with it again, lol.

For now, I will sign off.  I have a few outdoor chores this evening that I have to take care of now that the sun is not high in the sky.  But I'll be back...

As always, thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

"where flowers bloom, so does hope."~ lady bird johnson

From Our Family to Yours...

Merry Christmas!

Apron Sale~

Hey y'all!

I have a thing for aprons.  I'm not really sure why or where it came from, but I do. I always have a few hanging at the ready in my kitchen to help protect my clothing while I clean, cook, garden or bathe splashing pets. Because of this adoration of mine, I began sewing up a few almost a decade ago and then set up a little etsy shop to sell them in order to supplement our income.

I am listing some of the aprons I've made, and am offering for sale, on my social media accounts. The holidays are coming, and aprons make great heirloom gifts that can be passed down from generation to generation. They are also wonderful to present to the recipient as part of a beautiful gift basket. And each is a little different from the others. Dare I say...one of a kind?

And...let's be honest, also because the holidays are coming, making the extra money couldn't hurt us one bit right now.

I would love it if you would take a gander at them!

Children's Sized Aprons

GrandBaby's Favorite Apron

"Chubby Owl"~Red

$15

GrandBaby's Favorite Apron 

"Chubby Owl"~Yellow

$15

GrandBaby's Favorite Apron~Reversible (Plain)* **
"Holly Jolly"
TWO aprons in one!
$18
*see matching adult apron below to see reverse white material
**child's apron has regular length waist ties

And the reverse side of this apron...

 GrandBaby's Favorite Apron~Reversible (Plaid, no pockets)
"Classic Plaid"
TWO aprons in one!
$18


Adult Sized Aprons 

Mamaw's Favorite Apron 

"Baking Day"

$28

And the reverse side of this apron...

Mamaw's Favorite Apron~Reversible (Plain)

"Holly Jolly"

$30

TWO aprons in one!

{with extra long waist ties to wrap around to the front and tie a pretty bow!}

And the reverse side of this apron...

 

Mamaw's Favorite Apron~Reversible (Print)

"Holly & Candy Canes"

TWO aprons in one!

$32

Vintage Reproduction Half Apron

"Candy Canes in the Snow"

$18

Vintage Reproduction Half Apron 

"Fluttering Leaves"

$18

Vintage Reproduction Half Apron 

"Cherry Pickin' Time"

$18

Vintage Reproduction Half Apron 

"Butterflies in Flight"

(Pale blue & chocolate brown background)

$18

All photos are not filtered in any way and taken in various lighting conditions, in an attempt to capture the true colors. (A few days of clouds and rain haven't helped😉) 

I accept Paypal and Cash App and shipping is included in the price listed. I can also list them in my Etsy shop if you prefer but shipping will NOT be included through that venue.  I do accept returns within 14 days of receipt, as long as the item is in its original condition as when I sent it out and buyer pays shipping to return item.
*free shipping is only to US addresses. Outside of US, buyer must pay shipping.

• Smoke free home.

If you are interested in one and/or would like more details and/or detailed pictures, please ask in the comments below! I've sewn these babies with love in each and every stitch & don't mind sharing their info.

I will be adding more in the upcoming days, so please check back often! Also, if you kindly wouldn’t mind sharing this with your family & friends, I would be ever so grateful!

*first come, first served!

As always, thanks for your continued support AND for stopping by! ~TJ

Mama's Country Kitchen French Toast~A Non Recipe

No it ain't purty. But it's delicious and good cheap eats. It's real life around here. And it's what I do with the leftover ends, bits and pieces of our "day old" bread.

French Toast (My Way)

• An egg or so (depends on how much bread I have to use up)

• A sploosh of milk (no, I don't really know what a "sploosh" is)

• A dash of salt 

• A few sprinkles of cinnamon 

• A splash of vanilla extract 

Whisk that all together with something non fancy, like a fork. Or a whisk.

After the egg mixture is well combined, I put a few pieces of that stale (let's be honest here) bread into the milky egg bath to soak a bit (not too long or else it'll fall apart) while I heat up my skillet (or griddle) on a medium, to medium high, heat. When it's good & hot, I plop a few pats of butter in to melt, and then cook up some yummy french toast served with maple syrup for brunch! Mmm Mmm good! 

I would love to hear any french toast tips & tricks that you use!

Thanks for stopping by! ~TJ

Earn Cash Back While Shopping and Eating Out This Holiday Season!

Sign up for the DOSH app to start earning cash back!

Have you heard of the Dosh app? I'm so thankful my DD told me about it, and just in time for the holidays so I can earn cash back while I'm doing what I would be doing anyway...shopping for gifts! (Eating out too!) Plus you get $5 just for signing up and linking a card! You can even make extra money when your referrals sign up & link a card.

Go here to find out more or sign up!

Spread the word! We can all use the extra money!
I hope this helps you save some dollars!