A River Ran Through It

This WAS a gentle little stream that I used to let my children float stick and leave is down in years past. Two years ago my grandchildren were wading up to their knees in this little stream. But due to the snowfall we've had this past winter... the wooden bridge is gone and the little stream has jumped it's banks.


Starting last year we now have to float a raft to get to the fire pit to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.

Google Translate!

Yesterday I needed to talk to a non English speaking parent. There was nobody in the school who could help me. I was frustrated and so was the parent. I know I should have paid more attention in Spanish class when I was in high school. I've been kicking myself over that one for years now.

I have used the site Google Translate for a while now at home but thought that my district might have it blocked on the school's computers. On the off chance that they hadn't I tried the site. IT WORKED!!! The parent was happy, I was happy, and we were able to discuss the child together without having a go between. Later I showed the site to one of my student's parent who speaks both English and Spanish. She said that the site was about 97% accurate. For an English only speaker I'll take 97% and be very happy. THANK YOU GOOGLE TRANSLATE! You saved the day!

http://translate.google.com/#en|es|

All We Need is a Grandbaby to Wrap It Up In

I've had this fabric aging in my sewing room for years just waiting for a little girl. Maybe in the next two week she will be here!

It's a Pie!

It's a deep dish strawberry rhubarb pie! And it's all mine! When I have more time I'll have to download the recipe along with the adjustments I made. I've GOT to get me a rhubarb plant. This stuff was good.



RECIPE INGREDIENTS*
1 1/4 cups sugar
3 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
3 cups strawberries, sliced
2 cups fresh or frozen unsweetened sliced rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 small sugar cubes, or 1/4 cup sanding or pearl sugar
Pastry for Double-Crust Pie

DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl combine sugar and tapioca. Add strawberries, rhubarb, orange peel, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently till fruit is coated. Let mixture stand about 15 minutes, or till a syrup forms, stirring occasionally.


Meanwhile, coarsely crush sugar cubes if using; set aside. Prepare and roll out pastry as directed. Line a 9-inch pie plate with half of pastry. Stir fruit mixture; transfer to pastry-lined pie plate; trim pastry even with rim. Cut slits in top crust. Place crust on filling. Trim, seal, and crimp edge of pastry. Brush top crust with water; sprinkle with crushed sugar cubes or sanding or pearl sugar.


To prevent over browning, cover edge of pie with foil. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 20-25 minutes more, or till top is golden. Cool on a rack.

*I didn't use cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange peel. I also added about an extra cup rhubarb and a pinch of salt. The pie pan I used was larger than your average pie pan. I also used frozen strawberries.

Little Treasures From My Front Yard

Last fall I went to the local IFA store and purchased some very sad looking plants. After spending the winter under the snow this is what came back. I can’t wait for them to spread!





I went to Wal-Mart and picked up some of their close out bulbs.

Green Fairy Quilts

I just found this site that sells all kinds of wonderful fabric. About a year ago I purchased several panels of Flower Fairy fabric. I've been trying to figure out a way to use them. I think this quilt pattern will be just the thing I need. I know the picture is kind of fuzzy but you get the idea. Now I just need to get busy and finish all the other projects I have lined up. Oh I forgot I also need to find time between teaching Kindergarten during the day and ESL classes at night. Anybody have any extra time they don't need and are willing to pass it on to me?

His Sacred Name ~ An Easter Declaration

This is beautiful. You need to click on the picture to get it to go full screen.