Happy New Year And Happy Birthday

happy birthday to one of our little sisters.
thirty seven years ago margie was a new years baby.
all of your sisters and friends here on the sisterhood blog wish for you a very happy birthday...a day of celebration!



and... HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

My Visit with Scarf Sister Donna!!

While visiting Brillo Man's family in NY, I couldn't help but travel just another hour or so farther north to visit Donna in Canandaigua.

My father-in-law mapped out a route for me which he said was far better than the one I got from Mapquest. Besides being a better road, he told me that the scenery would be beautiful - and he was right! Here are a couple of shots taken out my passenger window while I was driving along the mountain road alongside Lake Canandaigua. I managed to get a couple of 'okay' photos!

I wish I had been able to get some photos of the wind turbines in the mountains as I drove through North Cohocton, but I was busy keeping my hands on the steering wheel then! It was almost surreal watching the huge turbines turning - as if I was on the scene of some science fiction movie or something. Donna told me that they're quite controversial as most of the power generated by these "wind farms" is used to power New York City - rather than the towns where the turbines exist.







I didn't have any trouble at all finding Donna's house and when I arrived she rushed out to greet me! So quickly, in fact, that I didn't have the camera ready which was a shame, because I wish I could have shared with you all the excited expression on her face whenever I pulled into the driveway! I haven't felt more welcome anywhere in a very long time! She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a warm hug - which we both needed as it was -13 degrees with the wind chill! A VERY cold day indeed! She kept telling me to put away the camera --but I told her that Terry would be so very disappointed if I didn't have pictures!! So Terry, these are especially for you!






Inside, she made me a cup of tea. I came with my very own Earl Grey teabag (I travel with them everywhere!) We sat down, she with her coffee and I with my tea containing "tons of sugar!" and we sat and talked and laughed and cried and talked some more! Oh, how I wish we could have had more time together! It was as if we were long lost friends who have known each other for years - so much to talk about! Of course, one thing we talked about was our love for each one of you Scarf Sisters and how you have touched our lives in so many ways.



At one point, I "bent" her ear (literally! ha ha!) with the story of how I met Brillo Man. Somehow she had missed that along the way! It's always a joy for me to share the goodness and mercy of the Lord! From where He brought me - to where I am now...a great testimony of His relentless, pursuing love for me!



Finally, I was able to get her to pose for a couple of photos. And seeing them now, I realize that I should have done a "mirror check" prior to setting my camera timer - because "what is UP with my schleppy hair?" haha







In spite of the not-very-professional photos, we had a terrific time and have promised to get together again the next time I'm in New York visiting Brillo Man's family. We're thinking perhaps a summertime BBQ in her back yard (...which, by the way, has a beautiful view -should have snapped a photo of that!) Anybody want to join us?!

I was thrilled to spend the time with her - and was sad to leave. Until next time Donna...sending you a warm hug and lots of love and prayers!!

Happy Happy Birthday Rebecca!

now it was no little birdie that told me that it was rebecca's birthday because no little birdie could be out in the cold winnipeg weather!
no i just for the first time saw this little snowflake floating in the air with rebecca and her little miss tucked safely inside.
now yesterday they would of been in a drop of rain but alas, we got a good inch of snow in southern ontario today..
oh well it was a happy thing to catch sight of these two lassies and i am sure that the rest of your sisters would join in on wishing you a very happy birthday rebecca....!
love from us all!!

Christmas...

Well, my dear sisters, I've not done the things with the apron that I wanted to, and tomorrow she will need to be sent along to the next sister. I am hoping that this afternoon I can spend some quality time with her!

In the rush of getting ready for Christmas (and this past week was a doozy!) along with having an infant that tends to dictate my schedule sometimes, I did not get the baking done that I had hoped. Boo... Plus, when I did have a bit of time, I was so tired that I just couldn't bear the thought of baking in the kitchen...I'm sure you will understand.

It's my hope that this afternoon I will make it to the kitchen to make the Jam Jams, as I have the ingredients. I wanted to get pictures of the Treaco yesterday at my Mom and Dad's, but Mom didn't make it this year as she too was tired (she's got a cold right now). And my grandfather didn't even make it as sometimes he will. If I had known on Christmas Eve, I could have whipped it up...it's not hard. But...I will post the recipe on the Cooking Blog and I will take some pictures, as I think I will make it myself, even though Christmas is past. It's not Christmas without the Treaco!

So, while we didn't bake, Madeline did get to put together her gingerbread house. I would love to sound like Martha Stewart and say that I made the gingerbread, but I'm smart enough to know that I don't take on more than I can handle, so we buy one of the kits. Andy put the house together, I helped her with the icing and she put on most of the candy...although there was still lots of candy left over...she didn't seem to want to load the house with candy!

I didn't take pics of the apron on Christmas...she was a little camera shy, but she enjoyed the festivities (here anyways...she didn't accompany us to our parents houses for dinner). She was excited to see the girls open their presents. Well, actually, Madeline opened her presents and Olivia's but Olivia had fun watching.

Miss Apron has seen her share of weather during her time here. It was cold when she arrived, then it got mild, then it rained on Christmas Eve, freezing rain on Christmas Day, more rain on Boxing Day and today it is foggy. She asked me many times if she was really in Canada...she didn't believe me.

By the way, I forgot to mention when she first arrived that she smells REALLY good! I can smell some spices and it's nice. Hopefully when she leaves here she will smell like Jam Jams...

Maybe this morning the apron can help me clean a little...it looks like a toy factory blew up in here, and now that Christmas is over the tree needs to come down. We have to find room for Madeline's new toys (and weed out some old ones) and there are dishes in the sink calling my name. All us girls have stayed home from church...after two really busy days and a busy week, we are all tired. I feel kind of guilty, but I just couldn't get myself motivated to move very fast this morning.

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Christmas with your families. We enjoyed ours, and it's nice to stop for a day or two and just enjoy the season for what it means and be with family. And, as this year winds down to an end, may I just take a moment to wish you and yours a wonderful New Year and many blessings for the coming year. I also want to thank you all for your many prayers for us this year. It's been a good year, but at the same time a hard year (if that makes any sense) and I was just thinking yesterday how I had both the scarf and the apron at just the right time. When I had the scarf back in January you prayed when Andy was in the hospital with chest pains and I also announced that we were expecting Olivia. Then, you all prayed for us after we found out about Olivia's condition, through the remainder of the pregnancy, during our very trying days in Toronto waiting for her to arrive and those first few weeks when she was in hospital. So I feel that by having the apron for Christmas we've come full circle this year, and we've had nothing but joy during my time with the apron. I just wish I could have baked more with her.

So thank you, each and every one of you. You are all so precious and dear to me. I will be sure to post the recipes on the cooking blog, and I'm sure I'll have another post or two for here before I send her on her way.

Merry Christmas everyone!

May all of our sisters and their families have the most blessed and happiest Christmas ever! Thank you for the cards and gifts everyone sent. From our family to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!!!

Treacle and Boxing Day

Treacle tart
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Treacle tart with clotted cream
Treacle tart is a traditional English dessert. It is made using shortcrust pastry, with a filling made out of golden syrup - also known as light treacle - a little lemon, butter, and breadcrumbs. The tart is normally served hot or warm with a dollop of clotted cream, ordinary cream, ice cream or custard. Some recent recipes add cream or eggs to make a softer filling.

Boxing Day is Dec. 26th and is a statutory holiday here, same as Christmas is. It's mainly known as a shopping day which most likely rivals your Black Friday. For me, it's the day the decorations are put away and all is clean again.

Olivia: Biblical. Means olive tree, a symbol of fruitfulness, beauty and dignity.

Miss Apron's First Day

I am so excited! I had thought it would be neat to have the scarf here for Christmas, but never dreamed it would happen! Good thing the scarf took a few days for the journey, or I might have had to send her on her way before enjoying the holidays with her. She will enjoy a lovely Christmas...we have Christmas dinner with Andy's family on Christmas Day and another dinner with my family on boxing day.

The apron arrived with some cookies (can't remember the name and the note from Connie is not handy at the moment. I'll let you know what kind they are in the next post) and a beautiful doily. Thank you Connie!


Madeline put on the apron and posed (you probably won't see a pic of me with the apron, but we'll see) with Olivia. No baking yet, and it won't happen today, but I'm planning to bake tomorrow, so I'll be posting about that. Today we are off to the grocery store, a task I'm really not looking forward to. It's cold (with a windchill) and I hate grocery stores at this time of year...I have no patience for them! But it must be done...

I will be making Jam Jams, my Nana's "famous" recipe (within the family anyways) and on "Boxing Day I'll be taking pics of another family recipe called "Treaco". Kind of like treacle I guess, but it's something my Poppa's family has made each Christmas for years...very rich and very delicious. Ironically enough, both recipes call for the most important ingedient of Lyle's Golden Syrup. Do you have that in the US? Some would just use regular corn syrup, but for us it has to be Lyle's...makes all the difference!

And then, I'll be making Chocolate Turtle Cake...yum, yum, yum!

Other than that I'm not sure what I'll be sharing with you, but we'll have fun anyways!

The Apron Has Arrived In Canada!!!!!!!!

I was SO overjoyed to come home this morning and see a parcel from Connie! I get the apron for Christmas! I'm so excited!

I will post pics a little later, and since I've been trying to get some baking done I'll be able to take pictures and share with you all. I've got a couple of family recipes to share...you'll be seeing baking from me as opposed to cooking...I'm a better baker than a cook!

Where is Everybody, eh?

dear mrs. mac...i really do think that everyone has had enough of your snow, eh??

BRINGING IN THE BIG GUNS!!!

These Texas Rangers are on call waiting for me to give the word to hunt down the apron! I realize there are a lot of Christmas packages being sent but this is ridiculous!

A Quick Note

I see everyone is making good use of your time in between 'apron sightings' to pray for the dear ones listed here. The families of these loved ones will be blessed by your faithfulness. Keep your eyes open, for soon, hopefully before Christmas, Miss Apron will make an appearance.

My computer is still snail mail slow. The cloudy weather doesn't help either with getting a connection. I guess this is the trade-off for living in a rural area with mountains and tall pine trees to interfere with a good signal.

Mrs. Mac

PRAYER BUTTON

Click on the Prayer Button and it will take you directly to the Prayer Blog. Donna has posted the code there and you can copy and paste it to your own blog's layout.. Thanks Donna! This seems the most logical place to go to! Also, since you are in the group on Face Book praying for her, you'll have access to the updates on her since I leave for vacation on Thursday.



You sisters are the best, I know that the Ellis Family appreciates our intercession on their little girl's behalf!

ALSO:
ANYONE HAVE THE APRON? IT SHOULD BE THERE BY NOW!

ELLIS FAMILY

EDIE HAS GRACIUSLY ACCEPTED THE TASK OF CREAING A PRAYER BUTTON FOR BABY KIERSTEN. IT WILL LINK TO THE PRAYER BLOG THAT DONNA HAS SET UP. AS SOON AS I HAVE THE INFO I WILL POST IT!





An update from Chelsey and a picture from Beau, breaks my heart!



Chelsey Ellis
Kiersten just had her 19th seizure in less then 24 hours. She has already been given 2 anti-seizure medications, but has continued to have them. Please pray that they get under control so we can figure out a treatment. Thank you for everyone's sweet comments! They mean so much!!8 hours ago

Andrea, I contacted edie and as soon as I know anything, I'll post about a button for Kiersten! Thanks for the suggestion!

SEIZURING

From Chelsey overnight!

Please pray for Kiersten. She's had 4 seizures in the last 2 hours. We are in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.

ANOTHER UPDATE ON KIERSTEN

From Chelsey's FaceBook:

I'm ready to see this beautiful smile and these big blue eyes again. K should be moving to a regular room for further observation soon to allow her system to get rid of all the meds, then to the seizure floor for another EEG and to stay for a bit.

(I thought you might want to see this precious face so that you know who you have been lifting up before the throne! Connie)

KIERSTEN

UPDATE!
NOTE FROM CHELSEY:

The neurologist has Kiersten under observation for the day. Giving antibiotics as a preventative just in case of infection which we won't know if she has one until the cultural results are back. So we possibly will be in ICU another night. Please pray that the doctors will find an answer but also pray for Caleb and Carleigh. They are sad for their sister. Thank you everyone for your sweet messages!



Chelsey posted on FB that Kiersten's MRI was normal but they still don't know what caused the seizures to begin with! I will keep you posted as I learn more! Thank you sweet sisters for all of your prayers, you gals are the best!

Update From Diane

Dwade is to receive more blood and his blood pressure is low. They are admitting him and scoping him again tomorrow. Still not sure about plans from there. Diane will let us know more, when she knows.
Thank you all for storming the gates! Prayer is a powerful weapon.

Prayer Request

I just received a text from Diane...they are headed back to the hospital with her brother-in-law Dwade. He is vomiting blood and her sister Deb is scared to death.
Please pray???

PLEASE PRAY

My daughter Jessica just called me and her best friend Chelsey and her family desparately need prayer! Their youngest, 10 month old Kiersten had a seizure yesterday afternoon and they took her to the hospital here in Denton. While she was there she had 2 more. They transported her to Cook's Children's Hospital down in Ft Worth where she had 6 more overnight! She is in ICU and has had Spinal Taps, she will see a Neuro-Surgeon this AM. Please pray that she has had no brain damage, that the Doctor's know what the problem is and can treat her completely. Please also pray for Chelsey, her husband Beau and their 2 other kids, Caleb & Carleigh!

O WHERE, O WHERE...

Hmmmmm....someone should be getting something in their mail soon!!

Happy Bithday To Our Sister On The Far Side Of The Sea

dearest felisol...i am sure that all of your sisters here will be wishing you a happy birthday.
it is still dec. 7 on our side of the world but i think it is dec 8 in norway, philippines and india, so it is not too early to say happy birthday to our treasure from the sea!

MISS APRON'S LAST DAY IN TEXAS

I didn't want to post this until we had a better prognosis for Diane's BIL.

Miss Apron had one last day with us before she got packaged up and sent off on her next adventure! Here's a photo of the lovely fire we had in the fireplace.

I turned off the lights and thought that the Christmas lights on the mantle would look better than this. Oh well!


GOOD COMFORT FOOD! Everyone knows that I am proud of my German heritage (compliments of Meine Mutti) but I am also proud of my Southern roots! My Daddy's family are from the South, mainly Alabama and so I not only grew up with Black Forest Cake but I also grew up with Chicken Fried Steak and Banana Pudding that my Daddy's Mama, my grandma made! That woman was an incredible cook as is Meine Mutti! So here is one of my favorite dinners! Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans!

Sauteing chopped onions and bacon for the green beans. I buy bacon and chop up 2 slices at a time, place them in the snack size zip-loc baggies and freeze them! It's incredibly easy to have fresh bacon in your dishes by doing this! I have the potatoes on to boil. A pat of butter keeps the water from boiling over. I don't know why, only that it works!

Eye of Round Steak, trimmed and pulverized!

The meat has been dredged in seasoned flour, dipped into an egg and milk bath and then dredged once again in flour! It cooks quickly!

One of my favorite meals of all time! I don't like to fry very much but once in a while you just have to have what you want!

Miss Apron and I worked in the kitchen by prepping over 450 cookies for tomorrow's annual Christmas Bake-a-Thon. My best friend Brenda gave me this German Christmas Ornament, a baker!

Thanks for spending time with me in Texas! Now off to her next adventure!

Last Update from Diane

I received this from Diane am passing it along...Just wanted to let you all know that I just got home from the hospital. My BIL is in ICU and has received 2 units of whole blood. His blood pressure has responded well and was at 103/60 at last check before I left. His color is much better, his heart rate was stabalizing and he was feeling stronger. They were going to check his levels again about this time and give him more blood, if needed. The GI doctor was due to come either sometime during the night or tomorrow morning and decide what they will do to stop the bleed and when it will be done. I will be going back to the hospital in a few hours to take Debra some things and take her medicines to her. Their son, Adam, spent the night with her in the ICU waiting room and was going to be there through the 9 a.m. visit in the morning. He was then going to go down to their farm and do some things that needed taking care of and come back to the hospital by evening. I suspect they will both stay at the hospital again Saturday night. The doctors are currently thinking they will be able to go in through a scope procedure, either down his throat or through his colon, to cauterize the bleed. Prayerfully they will not have to do an open abdominal procedure.

Thank you all for praying throughout the evening. The Lord has been so merciful to us and things look so much better at this hour than just 12 hours earlier. Please continue to pray that this is all resolved and his recovery can continue. I will update everyone tomorrow after I return from the hospital. I love you all!


--
Warm Hugs..........

Di

Update From Diane

Hi all...just received a text from Diane. Her Brother-in-law is in ICU receiving blood. He has a GI bleed and they will repair it tonight or tomorrow.
Please continue to pray?
Love,
trish

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST

Dear Sisters...I just received a phone call from Diane. Her brother-in-law Dwade had to be rushed by ambulance to the hospital. He is bleeding out and they don't know from where, as yet. They are giving him transfusions and his blood pressure is very low. (I pray I am remembering this correctly) He is extremely critical and Diane asked that we all pray? We, are so blessed to have such a wonderful support group and strong prayer warriors, to rely on. Diane, will keep us informed when she is able.
Love,
trish

WRAPPING IT UP

Today is my last day with Miss Apron and then she is off to who knows where!? Well actually, that sly Mrs. Mac and I know but no one else does!

Last night Miss Apron supervised me while making dinner. She was hanging out next to the "Everyday Oudoorsy Apron" when I heard her gasp in surprise when she learned I was grilling for dinner! Mr. "Everyday Outdoorsy Apron" patiently explained to her that although we had seen a dusting of snow yesterday, not even that rare occurance will stop a Texan from firing up the grill and cooking meat over a fire!! For Christmas several years ago, our daughters Jennifer and Jessica along with their families, gave Dave and I this grill as a gift. I grill at least once a week, more in the summer and we have salmon grilled every other week since it one of our favorites!

I get my salmon at Costco, it comes in individual vacuum-sealed bags and the portions are always very meaty weighing in at least 6 ounces!

Grilling salmon is very easy and Dave & I love it this way! First I wrap the "screen" pan with foil and place it on an old pizza pan that will be placed on the rack of the grill. Next it is sprayed lightly with a no-stick olive oil spray.

The ingredients for a great dinner!

The salmon fillets are brushed with olive oil and sprinkled wih minced onions, minced garlic, seasoned salt and seasoned pepper.

Once the grill has been pre-heated I lower the flame to medium and place the fillets inside and cook wioth the lid close for *6 minutes. I'll check on them and rotate the pan a half turn to insure it is cooking evenly, for *6 minutes. Fish cooks quickly, you'll know it's done when it flakes, usually under 15 minutes.
Turn off the flame and brush the Raspberry Chipotle Sauce on top (also found at Costco). I let it sit on the grill with no flame and the lid closed for *5 minutes while I am wrapping up dinner.

The finished product: Grilled Salmon with Raspberry-Chipotle Sauce garnished with fresh, snipped Rosemary from my flower beds, Steamed Brocolli and Cheesy-Rice !

Today, Miss Apron has her last adventure in the kitchen, helping with all the prep work for Monday's annual Bake-a-thon!

This is our current Desktop photo on the monitor. this is for my Canadian Sisters!

GADGETS AND CHILI!!

I found this new item at Sprawl-Mart's Super Center about 2 months ago and we LOVE it! It tastes just like a loaded baked potato! I follow the directions and when it's done cooking, I sprinkle extra cheese and bacon bits on top!

Oh yeah!


I love to cook and one thing I have learned over the years is that you have to have good tools! I am really picky about my knives but for Christmas 3 years ago, Jessica and Steven gave me this handy chopper that they found at Williams Sonoma!

It has 2 different cutting plates and it makes quick work of chopping or slicing vegetables!

There is even a handy measuring cup to see how much you have chopped! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this helpful tool!

So...this is the scene that greeted us this morning here in Texas! It won't stick and by the time I leave for work, it'll be just drizzle! Still, it IS beautiful since it's a rare sight for us to see down here in the Lone Star State!




Dave heading out in the company car for work!

With this kind of a day and 2 houses on my cleaning schedule what better to have for supper than White Chicken Chili!?

The Rotissiere Chicken is all chopped up! I prepped the veggies and chicken yesterday while I was making our dinner.

I absolutely LOVE the smell of onions sauteing on the stove!

Onions, garlic, Green Chiles and the spices all ready to go into the crockpot!

Now it will cook on low for *5 hours!

I will serve it up in my Chili bowls, topped with cheese and have either fresh, warm Italian Bread or crushed up Tortilla Chips!


WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
4 Chicken Breasts, cooked and chopped or
1 Rotissiere Chicken, deboned, skinned and chopped
2 Med Onions, chopped
1 TBL Oil
4 Cloves, Garlic, minced
7 oz. Chopped green Chiles
2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 1/2 tsp. Oregano or Italian Seasoning
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
2 (16 oz each) Great Northern Beans, drain and rinse
2 cans Chicken Broth
3 Cups Shredded Cheddar or Monterey jack Cheese.

Saute onions in oil until transluscent, add garlic, chiles and spices, cook additional 5 minutes. In Crockpot place onion-spice mixure, chicken, broth & beans, cook on low *5 hours. 10 minutes before serving, stir in 2 cups of cheese and stir thoroughly. Ladle up servings topped with additional cheese and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or serve with warm bread!