SUPPER CLUB - Sunday, May 17th

[purrfect-lady]

Good morning,

Well, it's been a rainy, rainy night and its' coming down pretty hard still, but supposed to clear up later this morning. We'll see if we can have a campfire when Bill's gym friends come over at 4pm or if we'll be in the party garage. We cleaned it and Bill even ran Christmas lights through the rafters for a more festive air. It's a big garage so maintaining 6 foot distancing is easy and each couple will get their own little tray of cheese and crackers. (yes! I found another box of crackers and some more cheese in the fridge!) I even have masks to hand out if they want them.

Yesterday afternoon I got the backings made for Tea Party and Yo Yo quilts, plus a pair of pillowcases cut out for my sis and DBIL for Christmas gift. Today, my plan is to finish those pillow cases, put borders on my Spring Swap Quilt and clean the sewing room and the main bathroom. If time permits and the mood strikes, I can also work on more crazy blocks but that would be a bonus project for the day.

JANA - I'm already loving your garden! Got room for asparagus or rhubarb? I love both! Would gladioli, dahlias, zinnias or nasturtiums work for summer color? Are you a rose person? I love sweet peas. Or asters come fall! I promise not to mess with Fred or Ethyl!

BECCA - so nice to be able to see Mark & Denise! And great news on the twins! As I know you know, eye problems can be significant in preemies from the oxygen they are given in NICU. And no, while I'm not sure yet how the quilting will go on my yo yo quilt, I won't stitch over the yo yos - only in between them. So it's definitely going to be freehand something. Probably a small meander . . .

LORI - We love fresh veggies of all kinds. I'm not a big cooked zucchini or beet fan though I will eat them. Everything else is a treat! Glad to hear your boys gave their lick of approval on the Frosty Paws! I shared their paws-up ratings with my friend, Betsy (of double lung transplant fame) who gave me the recipe. She adores dogs and has a black goldendoodle. Our other friends shit-zu's didn't like them for which Scottie was glad because he cleaned up their leftovers! Your wine spritzers sound refreshing. How were they made? I remember back in the day when I was just turning 21, wine flips were THE thing - cheap red wine and Sprite. I shudder now, but back in the 70's that was good drinkin'! Though, we only got 2 or 3 a year, so it wasn't too heavy a drinkin'.

Our split pea soup last night was really good. (sorry, Jana, but it was pretty tasty!) Plenty left for tonite. What's on your menu for tonite?

[zfatcat]

Mary, yes Jack and Wrigley loved their new treats. They even helped me make them by licking the spoons as I put the ingredients in the bowl. They are so helpful. That wine drink sounds awful.
Wine spritzer is just a little white wine with sparkling water. Glad you were able to find snacks to serve this afternoon. At least if you don't use the garage, it's nice and clean.

Jana, I like your job of supervising. That way you don't get your hands dirty. lol

I spent yesterday cleaning out the bathroom cupboards. Making room for FIL and getting rid of things we don't use. I did both bathrooms. Last night I pulled and cut out fabric for a Sunbonnet Sue block. My quilting friendship group make a block of your choice for you birthday. Their are 12 of us, so you get 11 blocks. Then if you add one more you have a nice lap quilt. I'll finish her up today.

My enchilada pie with Spanish rice last night was quite delicious. I only ate half, so I might have the rest for dinner tonight.

Have a lovely day.

[auntjana]

Good morning!

We have cloud cover, but it will be nice and warm! Around 90 today. I toasted me, a nice shade of brown in the last couple of days. I tan easily. Nice to have a bit of color again. I was, a long time ago, one of those teenage girls, that used baby oil and roasted out in the sun all day during the summer. Not anymore!

Mary - a party garage - that is such a great idea - no one expects a garage to look like Better Homes and Gardens! I thought another goodie with crackers - Ritz or Club crackers, lay on a cookie sheet, single, right next to each other, then cook on the stove butter and brown sugar, then spread that over the crackers, quickly, bake at 350 for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle with sliced almonds, right as they come out of the oven. Beak apart and eat. Or take saltines, brush with melted butter, sprinkle on dry ranch dressing, bake for about 10 minutes, voile, seasoned crackers. You will have fun!

Lori - isn't it fun to have helpers lick the bowl in the kitchen! Mine aren't four legged, but are so willing to help!

I have a plan in my head for a patriotic tote bag. Just need to get in the Batt Cave and find fabrics.

The outside watering is all set, so other than a hopefully few weeds to pull, I can just watch the garden grow. It has a walk space in the back edge and I can also walk on the lower area, below, the garden, so it is like a raised bed. It was planned for ease of access, when the great wall was built.

Dinner - I think, with it being so nice, we will dine alfresco, out on my deck. I have some chicken to grill and a wedge salad to go with. I am going to try a new marinade- butter and lemon juice with seasoned salt sprinkled on. Simple.

Stay Safe!

Hugs,
Jana

[FarmChick]

Good morning! Checking in today. I don’t know where my time goes, but I seem to be busy constantly. I have one of the bridesmaids dress alterations completed, and the other dress is in pieces ready to put back together. I hope to complete it today if all goes well.

We had rain and more rain—7.4 inches in two days! The pond was fuller than we had ever seen it with water completely covering the fishing dock and water running over the dam as well as the spillway and around the other end. Covid’s pen is a mess, but it has straw covering most of it, plus DH built him a shed that is nice and dry and deep straw on the floor. I’ve been letting him out in the yard for exercise and some dryer ground. He was out all afternoon yesterday and seemed to love it. I really hope he doesn’t find my hostas! It took a couple of years, but they have recovered from the year of Pocket Lint, Blackie, Blondie and Orphan Annie as they continually chewed them down to the roots.

It’s so much fun to watch Covid leaping, charging and bucking all over the yard. Yesterday afternoon after he had his “lunch”, he settled down in the yard for a nap. DH is mowing the yard now, and when he finishes I’ll let Covid out for the afternoon again.

Yesterday morning I had a cramp in my calf and took a hard tumble on the floor. Today I’m sporting sore muscles and colorful bruises in several places. I figure I passed my osteoporosis self exam, as anyone else probably would have broken an arm or hip. Just another day in the life…

I’m feeding orioles constantly. They suck down their jelly as soon as I put it out. I’m going through at least two 30-0unce jars of grape jam daily. I’ve also made jam out of anything I could find in the cabinets when I didn’t go to the store. They immediately sucked down mixed fruit cup jam and orange syrup (my frozen orange juice jam didn’t gel well, but it made no difference… slurp!!!). There are dozens of the beautiful Baltimore orioles as well as the brick red orchard orioles. The wives are not as flashy and some are almost pale green (orchard). But they are quite a spectacle to watch. The hummers are busy, and I’m making 16 cups of nectar daily.

Friday morning was a little exciting. My microwave oven died with a display of smoke and acrid stench. I still get PTSD from the house fire, so this was a little traumatic for me. DH had to collect some rent in town, so I went along to see if I could get another microwave. Walmart had NONE on the shelves. Apparently with the restaurants all closed, microwave ready products are in demand and require an oven. Came home and ordered one from Amazon that will be delivered May 26. Meanwhile, I’m getting creative with the toaster oven, crock pot and stove.

My grandson went through the Crucible for the Marines, and he is no longer a recruit but a full Marine! We are so thrilled for him! I haven’t heard from him, but hopefully he will get a chance to call his mom soon. He is set to graduate from boot camp on May 29, but it isn’t open to family because of Covid.

Mary—your party sounds like a lot of fun! That’s like what they do here at DS1’s shop and driveway.

Jana—I’ll have to garden from a distance with you. With Covid on the range, there will be nothing safe. I told DS3, I plan to raid his garden when I walk Choc. You are WARM! I used to be a sun worshiper with baby oil and iodine, and I still would but I know it’s not safe. I love the sun!!! I don’t want to get out of bed if it’s not shining and get a little crazy if I don’t see Mr. Sun in several days. Love the seasoned crackers! I used to make the oyster crackers for Mom. She ate very few snacks, but she liked those and caramel corn.

Lori—I heard your FIL would be moving in. It will be a period of adjustment for all of you. I’m the voice of experience after having MIL living with us. Love your quilt group’s birthday celebration! Your dinner would be delightful!

Dinner here will be either ham and beans with cornbread or lasagna. I have both as leftovers.

Hope everyone is staying safe! Bon appétit!

[Becca]

Hello everyone sunny here & breezy
Marty called & he is coming this week too
such good news

Maryz enjoy your afternoon with friends
We are in for some rain this week
Chickie Welcome back We missed you but knew you were sewing masks bonnets & wedding attire
Love hearing about your birds My Hummers are busy this year Enjoy watching them

Lori It is life changing MyMother lived with us But I’m thankful she could Glad the doggies loved their treats
Jana The garden will be so good to enjoy
I have come out on porch to write It’s nice out today
I’m making beef stew from leftover beef we had CA likes it with potatoes carrots onions We have Beths good bread too
Becca