"Antique" Ornaments.

Something new to the shop- and I had to post about it.

I just had so much fun getting these ready for sale. They make me smile for two reasons - the first being that they really reminding me of my grandmother.


When she died I was given her collection of beautiful antique ornaments. Some even from her childhood in Ireland - so I had to immortalize them in these.


And secondly - just because they are a bit tongue in cheek and fun.

I am always afraid of breaking my true glass lovelies - so here they are - unbreakable!!

Well.... don't try.

Enjoy!!

Little Gifts!

Just wanted to post about my new Christmas items. I will have more as the week progresses - can't get it all done at the same time around here.

Today was a bit rainy to take photos - but I was actually happy with their color etc.

So here's the first of the ornaments - Tractor Set of 2 - all packaged up properly - imagine that!



Come back again I will have a couple more cuties to put up later this week in my shop.

Oh, and I have a new Holiday Tea Towel - I forgot to post about it last week.

Enjoy!

See You Monday.

Hi Just a quick note to say I am on my way to the beach for a few days... Looking forward to a bit of relaxation time - as my arms ache from painting the ceilings at the new house!

So, have a great week and I'll be back Monday!

Poison Ivy - 2; Graeff's - 0.

I was doing something this past holiday weekend. No - not at the shore, or camping, or chilling; I spent two whole days - clearing. It was actually pretty fun because we purchased a super-charged weed wacker to try to tackle the wildlands that surround our new house. The grass was waist high - and the underbrush - formitable. I am a novice with this type of foe - my previous yard was fairly tame. M hit the grass - mowing - for 5 hours straight. I took on the edges. The moisture in those weeds was flying everywhere - I won eventually - and could see the fence. The rest of the time was spent moving the 15 bush carcasses that we cut down last month to a better location - so M could mow the backyard too.

I though all was well - until Tuesday.

Wow - how uncomfortable is this! I have gotten Poison Ivy before - but I seem to have blocked out the torture. M has it even worse - poor guy. I had to purchase a whole new bottle of Calamine Lotion - and it really doesn't do the job like I wish it would.

This situation wouldn't be bad really - except that we have so much Poison at the new house - the vines are two inches thick up about 15 trees in the backyard and more along the fence. When I first saw it I really didn't think it COULD be poison - it was just so BIG. Oh well... we will look back on this and laugh... right?

(photo above: Poison Ivy - in case you aren't familiar.)

Gumbo Goodness

Gumbo Goodness

I am recuperating today from our holiday party last night. Lots of great friends joined us for a fun time. There is nothing better than a spicy gumbo to warm up on an icy night like the one last evening. It feel a bit decadent when making this recipe for such a crowd – so I couldn’t help but take some photos of the beautiful ingredients before the were added to the pot.

Here is my little helper– pulling the tails off of the many shrimp.


I always make too much – and promise myself that I won’t do it again the next year. Somehow I end up with the same amount each time. This year there was less left over due to some fine eating – thanks to all who took the pot down to 1/4 full!!(I make about 6 gallons in all – 5 with the kielbasa – and 1 gallon with only seafood).


Due to popular demand I have listed the ingredients below – no secrets here. You may want to divide the units by 5 to get a reasonable dinner amount.

5 gallons Seafood Gumbo (with kielbasa): serves 50 to 75 (party style)

3 pounds kielbasa - cut into 1 inch slices – then quartered
1 2/3 cups olive oil
5 lbs Okra (I buy frozen packages – already cut and tastes great)
10 cups chopped onion
5 cups chopped (larger pieces) red bell pepper
5 cups chopped (larger pieces) green bell pepper
20 cloves garlic (through a press)
4 large cans low sodium chicken stock (approx 20 cups)
5 cans whole tomatoes drained – and smashed a bit
5 tsp. ground cumin
5 tsp. cayenne pepper
2.5 tsp. salt
2.5 tsp. ground black pepper
5 bay leaves
5 lbs shrimp (can be frozen and pre cooked)
3.75 lbs. sea scallops (large ones cut into quarters)
3.75 lbs. cooked lobster meat (tail meat is the best)
2.5 lbs (40 oz) back lump crabmeat
10 table spoons Italian parsley (chopped)

1. Make sure your pot is big enough!
2. Brown the kielbasa in two batches in pot. – set aside
3. Pour 1/2 oil and the okra into pot – cook till soft.
4. Add the onions – peppers - garlic and rest of oil – cook down till tender.
5. Add stock, tomatoes, spices, bring to simmer – and let cook for 20 min.
6. Add non – cooked seafood – cook for 5 min.
7. Add cooked seafood and parsley.
8. Can be served right away – or saved even overnight in a non- metallic container.
Happy eating!!