Decorating the handles of wooden spoons

Decorating the handles of wooden spoons

 

I saw this and posted it in the Teri's Crafts Newsletter last month.  I had planned on doing these for my Daughter, Heather for her Christmas but could not find my wood burning tool. I knew I had it, the grand kids had used it over summer.  Of course it would be after Christmas before I found it, behind a box on the lower bunk bed in the front of the camper. I swear I looked for it there two weeks before Christmas.

I try not to give things that you have to work with such as pans, dishes or vacuum cleaners but she had a setback with her Ex cleaning out the kitchen of not only his stuff but hers as well, when he moved out right before Christmas. She's still finding out things that he took with him. I was able to help with some kitchen things but not everything she needed or wanted. Her daughter mentioned that there were not wooden spoons left in the house. I found two packs left at Wal-mart for 98 cents a pack. I will do the second pack in a different pattern some other time.

 

My Friend, Donna, passed away the day before I did these. I needed a craft to do that I could sink into and concentrate on and not worry about anything else for the day. This craft, for all 4 items, took me about 3 hours. I took a few breaks. I took my time.

 

 

 

I forgot to take a "before I start anything" picture. This is the first picture I took. I tried to hand draw some squiggly lines, circles and such but quickly figured out that "I" was not going to be able to do that. You might be able to, but not me, not this day. The marks at the top half of the spoon are part of the lines I drew and are not part of the pattern I ended up with.

 

To protect my table, I placed this block of wood under the spoon. It's much harder to use the wood burning tool on. This tool came with several tips but I chose the chisel tip because I can get both lines and shading out of it.

 

 

I took a rest when I got this far on the first spoon. Yes, it has a flat tip and looks more like a scraping spoon than a stirring spoon.

 

 

 

Here it is, almost finished. I added a couple of lines after another spoon, much shorter ended up with lines, so they would all look alike. I used the tip to put an "H" on the end of the handle.

 

 Here is a good comparison of all 4 spoons, laid side by side

 

I have an idea of trying this shading next time I am making this craft instead of keeping all the edges even.

 

 

 

Here is the finished spoons, ready to wrap and give to our daughter, with many happy meals ahead.

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 11

For Today ... Jan 11
Howdy, and Good Morning. Jerry is home not feeling well. I think he got chilled yesterday and has gotten chilled more than once this past week which is not helping him to feel any better.. I'm not doing much better myself. I have a headache that just does not want to go away.

Outside my door ...  It's Sunny but cold. Predicted high is around 40 but it's going to be a struggle to get that high and tomorrow morning is to be much colder than the 27 we were this morning. For this area of the country that's very cold.  The weather forecast is calling for even more colder days next week. I am not looking forward to that at all.

The Dogs ... Are worried about Jerry being home. They all checked on him after they got their early morning outing. Rocky gets to sleep with us most nights. When he gets grumpy at one of us for making him get out of the bed in the middle of the night because we have to get up out of the bed, he gets to spend the next night in the kennel in the room with the other dogs.. he doesn't like that at all so he's been much better about getting out of the way of our getting out of bed at 2 am. Macon has been very lovy dovy on both of us the last few days. He doesn't want to get too far from either one of us. Barney got to play ball outside for a little bit. He snuck it out when he was last to potty and so I allowed him to have time chasing the ball. When he refused to give it back to me to toss again the game was over and back into the camper we went.
Yesterday, on the second outing, Barney and Macon has a surprise when I opened the door. There was a small flock of Canadian Geese just outside the door. Macon was not on his line and I'm surprised that he didn't jump out anyway... Barney came out and gave a little chase but he didn't hit the end of the lead.  Of course the Geese were all aflutter and noisy and upset... but once they realized that the dog was Not chasing them turned around and were all like 'What the... and looking and honking and smoothing down their feathers. When it was Macon's turn to come out, he hiked his leg but kept watching them to see if they were going to move or not.  He has always had a fascination with birds.

From the kitchen... I really don't know what I'll be making for our dinner tonight. a lot will depend on how Jerry feels and what he wants. I'm guessing nothing to spicy or heavy right now.

I am hearing... CBS Morning news. I DVR the news so I can catch it when ever I get up if I go back to bed once Jerry leaves for work. Which happens more and more in winter than is summer. I hear birds outside from time to time, as well.

I am wearing... Black Sweat pants and a purple sweater with butterflies on it. I haven't put in any earrings just yet.

 

 

I decided on wearing purple earrings.

 

I am thankful for... Today's Sunshine as it will help warm the camper. Running water and indoor plumbing.

I am hoping... That Jerry just needs a days' rest to feel better. When he gets up this afternoon I am going to ask that we go refill the empty propane tanks so we are not trying to find propane in the middle of the night if we run out during this or the next cold spell we are having. It is winter so we must expect to run out from time to time.

I am creating...  I finished the wooden spoons and now will have to find another unfinished project to work on.

 

One of my favorite things... watching Barney playing outside.

A few plans for today... Cleaning up the main area of the camper and still looking for some papers we have mis-placed

A few plans for the rest of the week... keeping up the camper, finding those papers, keeping warm.

 

Billie C.

For Today ... Jan 6, 2016

 

For Today ... Jan 6, 2016
Howdy....
It's just after mid-day and I'm barley through half of my daily cleaning list I'm just going slower and slower these days. I know I should be getting more done but don't know how to get to that.  I've been doing some checking up on Thyroid abd the more I read the more I think that is my over-all problem and want to be able to correct it as soon as we get some insurance. Jerry is still looking into that for us. I've let him know it's got to be sooner  rather than later.  At least with the camper not being  full sized house I don't have a lot of rooms to clean up. I've cleaned the Kitchen and Bathroom so far and next is the dinning area which is simply clearing off and wiping off the table and straightening off the benches around the table and taking care of the floor under the table.

 

 

Outside my door ...
It's about 44 outside. A bit cold but not button up your coat and put on a hat cold. The Sun is shining enough to keep the camper warm and the heater has come on only a few times. I have a box heater pointed at me at the corner of the table I keep my laptop at.  This morning I had to fix the neckline of a nightgown that Donna gave me the first time I went to her house. I haven't heard how she's doing in the past couple of days. I do hope to hear back soon. I'll call her sister this evening, if I remember, and see how Sister and family are doing.

The Dogs ...
Barney had a blast during his turn outside this morning. After potty, he was jumping and running and looked like he was dancing as well.  He was just so full of energy that I let him stay outside until he was ready to come to the door on his own to come back inside.  Now he's sleeping at my feet.

 

Rocky has had an upset tummy and has thrown up a couple of times. (on the carpet) He has a habit of licking on the other dogs and he had a hair ball that had to come back up. I am constantly looking for something to spray on Macon, who Rocky licks the most, that will make Rocky stop licking his back. Anyway... Rocky is now okay and has returned to his usual routine.

Macon got in trouble by pushing some things off the couch to make room for him to lay on it. I really do need to put that stuff away, but I will need Jerry to help me with it.  Macon is now sleeping on the floor and is snoring from time to time.

 

 

From the kitchen...
 Well, we ended up eating out last night after filling our propane tanks. I had  small cheese and shared some of Jerry's nacho's. Jerry ate a large burger, Tater Babies and the rest of the nacho's.
Today I'm going to make the spaghetti I had planned on yesterday.  I will brown the burger here in a bit and add it to the crock pot along with the pasta sauce to simmer this afternoon.

I am hearing...
The heater fan. The TV. and Macon snoring.

I am wearing...
Black sweat pants and a light tan T-shirt. Teal Earrings

 

 

I am reading...
I downloaded a few books but haven't started reading any of them yet.

I am thankful for...
That Jerry is working.

I'm also thankful tha he can take care of the heavy things like taking care of putting in the propane tanks. 
The sunshine that helps keep the camper warm during the day
The dogs and the company that they are for me.

I am hoping...
That we both pass our class on Friday.  That Rocky feels better soon.

I am creating...
I'm going to work on a paper craft this afternoon

One of my favorite things...
Talking to our daughters

A few plans for today...
Finish up the basics and make a couple of cards or start on that dress for Bailey I keep writing about.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
Cooking, Cleaning, Watching TV. taking a class on Friday with Jerry and Heather.

 

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

English Country Casserole

English Country Casserole

4 large potatoes
2 Tablespoons butter
14 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large onions, sliced
2 Tablespoon salad oil
1 cup cooked ham, diced
10 ounces Cheddar cheese

 

Preheat oven to 400-degrees F.
Pare and quarter potatoes.
Cook until tender in large saucepan. Drain potatoes and return to pan.
Toss pan gently over heat to fluff-dry potatoes.
Add butter and milk to saucepan. Heat to boiling. Remove from heat.
Mash and then beat potatoes until very smooth, season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet, saute onion rings in oil until soft.
Add ham and saute several minutes.
Cut cheese into thin slices.
In a 6 -cup baking dish, spread half of potato mixture in bottom.
Spoon onion and ham mixture over potato mixture.
Layer with half cheese slices.
Top with remaining mashed potatoes.
Arrange remaining cheese sliced on top.
Bake for 20 minutes or until piping hot.

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

Jan 5

For Today ... 01 05 16

(7am)
Good Morning From a cold Tennessee Morning. The sun is still hiding behind the hill so it's going to be a while before I see it and it starts to warm up the camper. Living by a lake is beautiful but the wind blowing across the water makes it a cold wind, as well.But even though it's winter, the grass is still mostly green and still trying to grow. The Sun finally made it over the top of the hill about 8:15 and started to warm up the camper. We ran out of propane at 9. I texted Jerry that we are out and I hope to hear from him to find out when he plans to refill the tanks.

 

Mike came over and asked to borrow our large light to thaw his waterlines under the camper he's in. Worked well because he brought it back in less that 15 minutes

The dogs don't much care for this colder weather at all. Unless I'm tossing a ball for Barney, even he just wants to get out, potty then run back inside. They all forget that I need to take the lead off before they can leave the doorway, but they are getting much better at jumping into the camper, turning around and letting me get it off.  They don't want to lay on the floor.  I know it's colder on the floor but I really don't want them on the bench or the couch either. I will have to lay some blankets on both and take them off for company or everyone will be covered in dog hair. The grand kids love the dogs but don't like all the left over dog hair that gets on their clothes.

Today, I'm going to cook in the crock pot. I'll brown some burger and add a jar of Pasta Sauce to it and let it simmer for a couple of hours before Jerry gets home tonight. Dessert will be Chocolate covered Peanut Butter Crackers. It's been a while since I made those and it's a special treat to have from time to time. Well, So much for planning out dinner... Ran out of Propane so I can't cook the noodles.  I may still do the burger in a foreman grill, and put it in a crock pot with pasta sauce, but I don't know how I'm going to get noodles cooked.

 

 

I am hearing... CBS Morning news, the blower for the heater and the dogs snoring.Soon as it gets light enough, the dogs will get even noisier because I'll be putting on my coat and taking each out for their first morning potty. I need to check in the storage space for a couple of heavy coats for Jerry. He said that the long range forecast is calling for colder weather next week.

 

Well, I did look while I was looking for the light for Mike, they are not there so they have to be in the storage in Dunlap.

 

I am wearing... Sweats this morning. Black Sweat pants and a Maroon sweat top.  If I stay cold(ish) I'll go find a cap to put on. I'll get either a knitted one or one I made years ago to  wear while we were doing Re-enacting events. I want to make a couple more of them.

 

I am reading... Hum... instructions on how to reset the pass code for my IPad.  I'm bummed in that I will have to reload everything because I can't recall the  four number code for it. I've been trying to load ITunes but even that is not working as it should and keeps saying I need to download the one for 64 bit. When I do that, nothing happens. I'll have to have Jerry try it cause I'm sure it's some small stupid thing that I'm missing.

 

I am thinking... about what I need to get done today.  I need to find Jerry's coats if they are here with us. I need to take the trash to the bin and I need to put away the rest of Christmas

 

*** update ***

Coats are not in the storage

All of Christmas has been put in a box

Still need to take the trash to the bin. A walk later.

 

I am thankful for... The good weather we have had so far. Not having to walk through snow or on ice is a blessing.

 

I am hoping... That Jerry gets at least one day off this weekend.

I am creating...  I want to work on Bailey's Dress some time today. I may have to get the small table out of the basement (back storage of the camper)

 

One of my favorite things... Staying here by the lake in the off season where it's nice and quiet. I hardly see anyone, but yet I know there are people close by if I need help.

 

A few plans for today... house chores,Take down and put away the rest of Christmas decorations and  sewing or at least cutting out the dress.

 

A few plans for the rest of the week... Keeping the camper cleaned, cooking dinners and on Friday, enjoying the day with Jerry and Heather.

 

I painted my fingernails yesterday late afternoon. I used the magnifier I bought after Christmas so I could see what I was doing. I do need to paint earlier in the day so I have better light to see by. I painted them Black and put a sparkly silver glitter coat on top of that. It looks like the night sky with stars.

 

 

I have lots and lots of errings. I am trying to wear a different pair each day.

 

 

Todays' earrings are black and purple and match what I am wearing

 

 

 

I wore these owl earrings yesterday. I bought them just before Christmas

 

 

Wore these on the third. I put one my dragon earring in the afternoon but kept the matching earring in my left ear.

 

Even though my hair is still short, I feel like I need to get it cut soon.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

 

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

 

I know it's early, but I want to start planning for treats for Valentines day to share with my Hubby.

Ingredients
⦁ 24-30 strawberries, fresh
⦁ 6 ounces of white chocolate
⦁ 8 ounces of dark chocolate
Method
1 Wash and dry the strawberries, making sure the berries are fully dry as water will cause chocolate to seize up.
2 Melt the white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Follow the melting directions on the package.
3 Dip the strawberry in the white chocolate, holding onto the stem or the "shoulders" of the strawberry. Give it a quick little twist and shake with your fingers to shake off the excess and then point it at the ceiling for a second or two to ensure that the chocolate adheres. Place on a piece of wax paper to let dry.
4 Melt the dark chocolate according to the instructions on the package. Dip the strawberry in at a 45 degree angle from both sides to make the "jacket". Let the excess drip off. Place on wax paper to dry.
5 Place some melted dark chocolate into a piping bag with a very small tip, or in a ziplock bag with the little corner snipped off and pipe on buttons and bow tie.
6 Allow to dry and cool. (If drying seems to go too slowly, place them in the freezer for about 3-5 minutes.)
Best eaten the day they are made.

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.

Good Morning, Jan 4, 2016

 

 

 

 

Good Morning,

 

I hope your day is going well so far. Have you had to write "2016" yet? Did you first write 2015 then had to change it? I know it will take me a little while to get it right.  Our weather is great for this time of the year. We are a bit cloudy right now and our high is suppose to be close to 40F. Even with the sun out that will be coldish.  I am wearing a sweat shirt for the first time this season. I love to wear sweats when it's cool outside. This one is maroon and I have on brown sweat pants to go with it.  We should be back into the mid 50's by the end of the week.

 

The Grand kids spent two nights with us this past weekend. The dogs loved it. WE took a walk down to the lake side on Saturday and Barney went right in. He just loves to swim. Macon got wet as well but not his whole body. just his lower legs.. Rocky just got his toes wet and that was all he was going to do. Barney kept trying to get Macon to go on into the water and get more wet. On Sunday, the kids took the dogs for another walk and when they came back, Macon smelled awful. It seems that he rolled in the grass in several places and one of those places was where someone emptied their fish holding tank and Macon was very happy with himself to have found it. He wasn't so happy that I took him back outside and rinsed him off. At least I used warm water and not just tap water to get the stink off of him. Pee U did he smell bad. The girls laughed at watching him try to avoid getting his shower.

 

We are eating out tonight since I need to do some food shopping. We put it off for too long and the kids being here emptied my larder even more. I told Jerry that we can go to the Piggly wiggly instead of Wal-mart since it's closer and the prices are about the same and I only need to buy for the rest of the work week since he's going to take Friday off and I can shop again then.  

 

Anymore, I DVR the morning news so I can go through an hours worth of program and hear only the things I'm interested in. Right now is a morning story on a new diet book. The premis isn't new, just a new way to look at what is eaten and which to eat first (Proteins) and what to eat last (Carbs) Next I'll watch the first of the "700 Club" for their take on the news. Then will erase the rest of it and watch the early morning news for the stories from the weekend and over night that I may have missed.

 

I got to watch the first episode of "Downtown Abby" last night and want to watch it again here in a bit to catch what I missed last night. IThe dogs distracted me a couple of times.

 

 

Have you got all your Christmas down and put away yet? I took down our tree yesterday, It only took a few seconds because it was a sticker on the wall.  The kids got a kick out of my sticker tree and all agreed it was the perfect place to put it. Today I need to clean up the camper and take down the rest of the Christmas but leave up the "New Year" decorations until the end of the week.

 

 

 

I found where I had put my tablet and picked up where I had left off in a book I was reading from the Kindle app. Now I can't remember my pass code and will have to lose everything on it to restart it. Oh bummer... I will have to see if Jerry can retrieve the pass code before I do that.

 

After I get the major parts of the camper cleaned up, I want to start working on a new dress for Bailey. She picked out the material for this one and I want to get it done before her birthday. She picked out a material with colored zigzag stripes in it. I bought what was left on the bolt and hope to have enough to also make Little Heather a dress or skirt as well.

 

 I need to replace my tart warmer. Macon hit the able I was on and spilt some of he wax onto the Dish Receiver and some of the wax dripped around to the underside of the warmer and I don't trust it any more. They are cheap enough that I think it is safer to replace than worry about it catching fire from the wax being too close to the element. I need to change the scent anyway. I'm getting tired of the Cinnamon Candy sent nd want something new for the New Year.

 

Well, I really need to get up from this computer and get the dishes done and the kitchen cleaned up so I can get to the rest of the camper s well.   It's not "Dirt" just that there is a lot of things out of place so it's cluttered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

May your day be blessed and full of love.
May you find joy in the small things of the day
May you find something to smile about today.

Billie C.