Beautiful Weather

My, oh my, what a gorgeous day it has been today in the Big Woods.  After all the snow and bad weather, we experienced a high today of 69 degrees.

Everywhere you went, people were outside.  I even saw people wearing short sleeves and flip flops.

I managed to spend a little time outdoors myself and even found a few flowers and plants to make a small bouquet.

Too bad, this weather is only going to last for one day.  More bad weather is in the forecast for the Big Woods on Wednesday.

Wherever you are, I hope you have had a chance to experience a little taste of Spring weather!!!

Blue Hyacinth

Another great idea from my Lynchburg Sister's home.  She has planted a hyacinth in a glass.  This is a great way to bring a little spring into your home.

We could use a little "spring" in the Big Woods.  Our area has received more snow this year than we have in a long time.  Schools were closed again yesterday, and there is more snow in the forecast for next week.

My daughter has paper snowflakes hanging from her bedroom ceiling.  I have advised her that this may be the problem, and she really should take them down.  Of course, she is wishing for just one more snow, so she is determined to leave them in place. 

Oh well...

Family

Thank you, thank you to my Sewing Sister's Middle Child.  He and his family came to Tennessee for a visit.  They live in Minnesota.  While he was here, he scanned in several old family photos, so we could all share them. 

So, I thought I would share one of my pictures with you today.  This is a picture of my parents.  I love this picture.  Don't they look like Bonnie and Clyde?  Have you ever noticed how old pictures are always made with a car???  I guess it is because buying a car was such a big deal in those days.
Treasure your family photos.
Thanks again nephew!!!

Fried Taters

When I was growing up, we ate fried potatoes at least 4 times a week.  I really think we had some form of potatoes with almost every meal. 

I thought I would show you today how I make fried pototoes.  There really is no recipe...it is simply a process.

Begin with a few pototoes.  I try to only fry what we will eat...I do not enjoy leftover fried potatoes.

Pour some cooking oil in a skillet...enough to cover the bottom of the pan...sometimes I use a little more...sometimes a little less.  Just use your favorite cooking oil...I like Wesson Canola Oil.

I usually turn on the stove eye (begin on high and as soon as you begin to hear a sizzle, turn down to medium-low) and let the oil begin to heat as I am peeling the potatoes.  I actually peel a potato and slice it directly into the pan.  I like to slice my potatoes a little less than 1/8 inch thick.

If you want onion in your pototoes...chop a few and add them at this time.  Then, salt and pepper to taste.  I am not stingy with the salt and pepper.  Cover with a lid and continue to cook on medium-low.  Every few minutes, lift the lid and stir the potatoes.

After a while (around 25 minutes), you'll begin to notice the potatoes are soft and beginning to brown.  If they are not as brown as you like them, turn up the heat just enough to allow them to brown.

I like to remove the potatoes from the skillet to a bowl that is lined with a paper towel to drain off any excess oil...I then remove the paper towel before serving.

And there you have it...Tennessee fried potatoes.  Our favorite way to eat these is by having breakfast for supper.  We also like to add a little Ketchup to our "fried taters".

Enjoy!!!

I'm linking up with Tidy Mom.

Warmth in Winter

It was so nice this week (with all the snow on the ground) to see my kitchen violet was beginning to bloom again.  Just a small sign that there is life in the dead of winter.

I am having a great weekend!  As luck would have it, I have slipped away from the Big Woods to attend a youth retreat with my own two teenagers and several other youth from our church.  The retreat is called Warmth in Winter.  This retreat is sponsored by the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church.

We had a wonderful opening session tonight, and we are preparing for a full day tomorrow.  If any parents are reading this, please know that your children are so well behaved...that is part of the reason I am having such an enjoyable trip.  This event is for youth, but I always receive a blessing when I attend as an adult. 

This winter especially, it is nice to take a little time to experience God's warmth.

Happy Birthday to you,,,

Happy Birthday to you,,,

Happy Birthday Dear Sewing Sister,,,

Happy Birthday to you!!!!

Look what my Sewing Sister got as her present from my Nashville Brother!!!

It is a beautiful orchid.

My Nashville Brother is an expert at raising these.  They are not easy to grow.

He has several of them in his kitchen window.

Good luck Sewing Sister.

You have now been handed the challenge of keeping your orchid thriving and beautiful on this your "60th" birthday.

Happy Birthday to you!!!

Towel Apron

How do like this cute apron???

You will like it even better when I tell you it is made from a towel.

That's right...a dear friend made these to sell at our church's annual Harvest Festival.

This is my Lynchburg Sister modeling the cute and functional apron.

While working in the kitchen, there is no need to reach for a towel...you have one right there with you wherever you go.

Cute, cute, cute!!!