Happy Spring....finally?

"And there is pansies,that's for thoughts"
William Shakespeare

Nothing says spring to me more than pansies, I just adore them. This year they were one of the things that didn't work into my budget, so it was to be empty window boxes until summer.

Well, my sister Sarah and I were vendors at the rug show this weekend and she came on Friday to stay at my house.In the door she walks announcing "I brought you pansies!" Now what could be more thoughtful than that? So, my neighbors will be surprised and delighted to find my boxes full of pansies and violas when they come home from work tonight.(I'm known in the neighborhood for my windowboxes and got a few complaints at Christmas time because they weren't done up...)

We had a good show, it's always fun to meet new "hookers" and have old ones stop by to say hello, show new projects and have a few laughs.A few of my hooking friends came later in the day and when the show was over they helped pack us up in a flash so we were on our way home in no time. Thankyou, Kathy, Mary and Stephanie!!!!!

Well, outside to plant my pansies...it's a beautiful, sunny day!

Barb

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!

Primitive Gathering Update..........

.....so you thought you were getting a chocolate rabbit in your basket. Surprise!!!
The Primitive gathering updates tomorrow, be sure to stop by and take a look at all the new creations!!

Barb

When the Red,Red Robin .......

comes bob,bob bobin along........you probably don't remember this song. The robins are bobin but the weather sure isn't cooperating. We want spring!!!!

Sarah and I will be at the 49th Annual Hooked Rug Exhibit in Fairfield on March 28th. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you are in the neighborhood.

Here are the details:

Fairfield Grace United Methodist Church
1089 Fairfield Woods Road
Fairfield, Ct. 06825

Saturday, March 28, 2009

9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
$5 Admission--Door Prizes

Guest speaker....Trish Becker, rug hooking supplies and accessories from vendors.
Bag Lunches, Beverages and Desserts available.

Hope to see you there!
Sarah and Barb

Let's go fly a kite.........

Here's my new little friend...ready for those March winds to lift his kite up to the highest height.(a little Mary Poppins here) He's on my page at the Primitive Gathering.

Barb

Warming up the kitchen...0 calories

Well, this is a much more productive way to warm things up. Three dye pots going, lots of steam to counteract the dryness of forced hot air. My goal is to dye the 5 bolts of wool that are standing in the corner.....we'll see how I do.

The 15th will be here soon....I will have an update on The Primitive Gathering website.....think spring!!!!!!

Barb

Warming up the kitchen.......

Another cold and wintry day, we're expecting snow, sleet and eventually freezing rain by tomorrow. I'm tired of it, myself...but what better way to take the chill off the afternoon than baking. Here's a slice of Cinnamon Apple Cake that was so good with a cup of coffee I just had to share.

1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
3/4 cup (6 ounces) block style cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups chopped, peeled granny smith apples ( about 2 large)
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat 1 1/2 cups sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition, set aside.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, and beat at low speed until blended. Combine 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl; stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture.

Bake at 350 for one hour and 15 minute or until cake pulls away from the sides of pan.Cool cake completely on wire, and cut using a serrated knife. Yield 12 servings.

Stay warm and safe!!!
Barb