Thursday, April 30, 2009

I have to share wonderful news...

Hey sweet bloggy friends.. I have to share some very wonderful news!!! I went to court today on the Drunk Driver that hit me back in June. Today he was being sentenced. I was setting in the gallery waiting on his case to be called. When the Judge saw me and told me he had receive my Victim Impact letter. He also asked me if I wanted to add anything else before the court passed sentence on Drunk Driver. I thanked the Judge and told him no nothing else.. I was just there for the sentencing hearing. The Judge thanked me and moved on to the Drunk.....the Drunk Driver and his Attorney was standing in front of the Judge and the Attorney made the mistake of asking the Judge to be more lenient on his client. Oh my goodness the Judge came unwound..... He pointed his finger at the defendant and said " You are to spend one year in jail starting right now". The bailiff put the handcuffs upon Drunks wrists.. with each click my heart soared .... The Judge further stated.. you are in serious trouble with this court system.. You have cost one person her life long career not to mention a serious maybe permanent injury, and caused another Officer to land in the hospital with serious injuries. You...... Mr Drunk have single handily cause pain and suffering and almost a half a million dollars in medical costs, loss of wages, and other property damages. You!!!! Mr Drunk are coming off the street so you do not kill someone, because you can not stop drinking and driving. The Attorney started to say something again and the Judge looked at the Attorney and said your client has this much rope with this court ... the judge held up his hand and there was about 4 inches he measured out with his fingers. He told the Drunk... you better never ever come in this court again on a drunk driving case.. because I will throw you in jail and throw away the key. He further told him.. you were in a hit and run on one case and then less than 90 days later you hit the other Officer. You have a serious drinking problem.. it will be addressed while you are in jail during this next year.. you will abide by all the rules I set out or you will stay longer!!! The judge indicated there would be a review in 90 days to see if he could do work release.. but the Judge said in very few words today don't get your hopes up. Because he was not in favor of putting him in work release, for fear he would go out and drink... I was so shock and very pleased at what the Judge sentenced the Drunk with!!! We need more sentences like this!!! I am still smiling at how the Judge reacted to the Attorney asking the Judge to be lenient with his client :)
It was awesome to see the Judge be so stern!!!!!

Monday, April 27, 2009

It's all about the eye Candy :0)

This is my partner's photo.. much better than mine ;)
Isn't that little pillow the sweetest thing you have every seen.. an awesome memory ;0) wonderful keep sake :O)
Here are my Annie's from my Partner Brenda... aren't they cute as can be!! Of Course its cloudy and raining here today. So pardon the photos!!These little Annie's are amazing ;) I tell you I think there is a gift to putting the faces on Annie's. These sweet little girls have hand stitched faces. They are so wonderful.. I wish my Annies would turn out half as good as these wonderful Annie's. Thank you partner :)

I would also like to thank the designer for the pattern for this fun wonderful Annie:

Spring apron swap off of Swap- Bot..

Another apron from Swap-bot :)

Spring apron from Booming Aprons swap :0)
I got this apron so long ago .. I am so sorry I have forgotten what the extras were!!! Bad APP!!! I do want to point out the wonderful pockets on this apron. The pockets are accented with wonderful yoyo's and buttons. You can not see the amazing hand stitching on this delightful apron. I have to tell you its fabulous!!! I just love the awesome wavy hem on this apron :)


My Fiesta Momma apron from Yarni-gras :) I have to tell you I got some wonderful extras with this apron .. I received two huge avocados there were as big as your fist and some yummy seasons to make guacamole :) There was also fun paper products too :)
Thank you ladies for all of these amazing and wonderful aprons :)

MOUND CANDY BARS

2 boxes powdered sugar
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 stick butter, melted
14 oz. pkg. coconut

Mix in large bowl with hands. Shape into bars and chill. Melt 3/4 cup paraffin wax and 12 ounce package chocolate chips in double boiler. Dip bars into chocolate mixture and drain on waxed paper. Use a toothpick to dip bars in chocolate.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

I just love this guy.. I wish I could have met him!!!

Here are some of my favorites quotes from Einstein:


1- “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
2- “Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.”
3- “Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.”
4- “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

5- “Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.”
6- “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”
7- “If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut.”
8- “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

Wonderful Question about quilt blocks ;)


Swappers question: I have one question. . . .are we to stay away from any fabrics (like conversationals, obvious kid's prints, holiday prints, etc.?
That is a great question that I should answer.... here on the blog... I want this to be a scrappy type quilt... use up those little pieces.. don't waste a thing!!! I am all for using up and re-purposing things... :) If you have a nice cotton that is an up-cycled item use it :) But please use cotton. My swaps are all about using what you have ... but please ....please make it pleasing to the eye too :) It would be so sad to have put all that time into your blocks and not being able to use them in a quilt :)
The sky is the limit ;) Novelty, flowers, prints, holiday prints anything as long as its not shocking.. remember we are all going to try and make a quilt from these blocks :) I know sometimes a Holiday fabric works perfect in a quilt... so with a good eye create create create!!!
Hugs
M

Swap Mommie is behind!!!

I am so far behind this week its not funny. I had so much going on ... I was only able to sew one day this week. I am very happy to say I got my Awesome... I might say Fantastic fun Up-cycled aprons done though!!!!.. now I am getting the extras together. I will get both my aprons shipped out on Monday. If your in the first Annie Swap and the Apron swap you only have 4 days to finish up on your projects before they are due to be mailed... so APP is cracking the whip. I still have a lot of items not accounted for :( If you have sent your item or received your item and its not marked on the list.. please re-contact me so I can get you marked off the list. So the Mommie is not freaked out when the due date is here!!!! Thank you everyone in this matter!!!!
Now that the house keeping matters are done.. more fun to share : I have to tell you EVERYONE I am so blown away at all these amazing projects that you have made for your swap partners!!! The Aprons are Fantastic, the Annie's are so darn Cute!!! I am so happy all of you joined in on the fun. I have to laugh....because everyone of the aprons and everyone of the Annie's I have seen I have wanted to keep for myself. Yes this could be a very selfish swap mommie indeed!!! I have loved each and every one of your projects. From the beginner doll marker to the experienced Apron maker.. the projects have been beyond words... AWESOME, FANTASTIC, DELIGHTFUL, AMAZING, EXQUISITE, EXCITING, CREATIVE, GORGEOUS, and just plain PRETTY!!!! I have had a lot of fun making new friends on these two swaps.. I have been having loads of fun chatting and visiting with you regarding these fun swaps. Not to mention the fantastic photos you have shared with me on your projects!!!! I have really gotten to know some of you during this swap and I have loved every email and every chat..... Thank you ;) Thank you :) Thank you :)
Well ladies.....It looks like the Annie #2 swap is getting a lot of attention too.. if you joined in on the first one and would like to play in the Second one just give me a post to sign up... as most of you know my swaps are open to everyone in every country :) That is why I ask if you will ship international :)
OK this...post was going to be a short post... but for some reason it is getting very long winded!!! I need to sew and get my extras done.. So wish me happy stitching and no ripping ;)
Happy Sewing...
Hugs
Your Grumpy Swap Mommie :)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

May Swaps.. You can sign up for them now :)

Hello fun and Sweet Bloggers
I have decided what our May Swaps will be....

The Annie #2 Swap of Course Sign ups end on April 30th .. I am already taking sign ups for her...which is to be completed by May 30th :)and I also promised I would do a Quilt block swap.
We are going to be making a Disappearing 9 Patch Block Pattern. They are very simple and it will be a lot of fun to do. Here is the the link to the tutorial that we will use. http://snippetsofaquilter.blogspot.com/2007/10/charm-square-quilt.html
We will follow the instructions on the tutorial for our blocks.

You don't have to have charm packs.. you can use regular fabrics cut into 5" squares to use for this block swap.


Here are the rules for Block swap....

You will make 40 blocks.. they will be approx 7" squares when cut and finished. This will be enough to make a Lap Quilt :)
You can use new scraps.. or new/like new fabrics strips or new charm packs.

Sign ups start now....
This block swap needs to be completed by July 30th :0)
Send info via email to auntpittypatsfun@yahoo.com
With the following info:
Name
Address
Blog
Phone Number (not optional)
All info confidential... except blog and email if partner requests it :)

You will ship your blocks to me. I will mix them up and ship them back out to everyone. After the July 30th date :) Each person will get 40 blocks back. (Hopefully 40 different ones... if enough participants sign up for this swap) when you mail out your blocks you are to enclose a large self-addressed envelope with the postage included on it. After I receive the blocks and divide them up, I will post your new blocks back to you in your self-addressed and stamped envelopes:)
This means you will be paying for your return shipping :)
It would be sweet to send the swap mommie a small thank you like a fat quarter or a sewing notion for her trouble. :)
I hope I get lots of takers on this swap... this is another challenge for many of us... I will close the sign ups June 30th... or at 40 participants :) Which ever comes first :)

Here is an excerpt of the tutorial we will be using.. most of you can understand and will be able to make the blocks with just this amount of information.. if you need more.. click on the link for additional help :)

Here's a little trick using charm squares. Some of you might have seen this before. We all need a refresher now and again...right...LOL.

Take 9 charms squares (5") and layout same way you would for a 9-patch.



The 9-patch blocks is all sewn.
Easy so far right....lol.


Cut the 9-patch block right down the center in both directions.

See the new blocks emerging?


I think the new blocks are 7". I made a total of 5 9-patches using one charm pack of 45 squares. This gave me 20 of the 7" blocks. Two packages of charms squares made 40 blocks for a lap quilt. It was so fast and easy to make 10 9-patches and then I was ready to cut my blocks.


Option 1: This random layout of twisting and turning the blocks uses 36 of my blocks, makes a square quilt. Lay the blocks in any pleasing order with 6 rows across and 6 rows down.






Don't forget all my swap rules are still the same.. if you need a refresher they are posted here on my blog just click on the button on my side bar ;)

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Whoot Whoot Whoot !!!

My Partner Brenda has her Annie now.. so I can show her off to you :) I also added some really nice extras... that I made but for some reason my digital camera dropped them off the storage card :( ... so hopefully Brenda will add them to her blog so you can see those ;) When I get my Annie from my partner... I will post the photo to this blog post.... so come back and check in the next couple o' days :) Because she is on her way to Ta Town as I write this post ;)

I would also like to thank the designer for the pattern for this fun wonderful Annie:

http://www.thecatspyjamaspatterns.com/

OH NO,, say it isn't so!!!

Well its official.. I am now in trouble!!! I was showing my friend the Annie I made for my dad.... well....She said to me... make me two please!! Being the great friend I am... I have promised to make her 2 Annie dolls. She has two Grand baby Girls :) Then when I went to my Aunts funeral today ......... I was told by dad... I needed to make another Annie for my Step Mom Kathy. While we were talking about the Annies... another Aunt came up and asked if I would make two Andy's for her. She had heard part of the Annie conversation... Of course I said yes...how could I tell my family no. That is the total of 5 Annie requests in less then 48 hrs. Wow!!! I didn't realize I did such a great job of making them :) They want them for Christmas Presents..... I have a problem .... I don't have a pattern for an Andy!!! Does anyone have an Andy Pattern that they will share with me???? I hate to purchase a pattern ... because I don't think I will make many Andys. Besides I have not seen very many cute Andy Patterns... So If you have a pattern you are willing to share or know where I can purchase a very cute Andy let me know ....

Thanks everyone in advance for your help :)
Ha I just got another phone call from the family asking for another Andy Doll!!! That makes 6 dollies.....count them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 !!!!! Yazza Yazza!!!

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Daddy's Annie Doll

Here is the little Annie Doll that I made for my dad this weekend. He just loves her....he knows the little girl he is giving it to will love her too :) Dad really like the little apron I put on her. This sweet Annie was a lot of fun to make... although she did take me bit longer to make her than my Annie Swap doll... I think it was because of all the little extras I put on her. I have discovered that it takes a long time to attach the hair on these sweet little girls.. I love making and dressing the dolls...but I hate putting on the hair. I think it might be because.... you have bury the threads, that the hair is attaches to. I would love to get some instructions on how to make different hair styles... anyone have any suggestions or instructions they would share with me???
I think I am getting a bit better at painting on the faces.. this one turned out quite good ;) I am really pleased with her ;)
If you haven't signed up for Annie #2 swap don't forget sign ups end soon :)
I would also like to thank the designer for the pattern for this fun wonderful Annie:

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE




4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
A small splash of vanilla extract
1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)
Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well..
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT ! (this cake can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).
And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!
Don't forget this cake is easy to frost.. try your hand at Hershey's Chocolate syrup, Canned Frosting, Cool whip..........

Monday, April 20, 2009

A Lick and A Promise = Cute



SOME OF YOU WILL UNDERSTAND THIS
(FOR THE REST OF YOU IT WILL BE A LEARNING SITUATION)

A LICK AND A PROMISE
'I'll just give this a lick and a promise,' my mother said as she quickly mopped up a spill on the floor without moving any of the furniture.
'What is that supposed to mean,' I asked as in my young mind I envisioned someone licking the floor with his or her tongue.
'It means that I'm in a hurry and I'm busy canning tomatoes so I am going to just give it a lick with the mop and promise to come back and do the job right later.
'A lick and a promise' was just one of the many old phrases that our mothers, grandmothers, and others used that they probably heard from the generations before them. With the passing of time, many old phrases become obsolete or even disappear. This is unfortunate because some of them are very appropriate and humorous. Here is a list of some of those memorable old phrases:

1. A Bone to Pick (someone who wants to discuss a disagreement)
2. An Axe to Grind (Someone who has a hidden motive. This phrase is said to have originated from Benjamin Franklin who told a story about a devious man who asked how a grinding wheel worked. He ended up walking away with his axe sharpened free of charge)
3. One bad apple spoils the whole barrel (one corrupt person can cause all the others to go bad if you don't remove the bad one)
4. At sea (lost or not understanding something)
5. Bad Egg (Someone who was not a good person)
6. Barking at a knot (meaning that your efforts were as
useless as a dog barking at a knot.)
7. Barking up the wrong tree (talking about something that
was completely the wrong issue with the wrong person)
8. Bee in your bonnet (To have an idea that won't let
loose )
9. Been through the mill (had a rough time of it)
10. Between hay and grass (Not a child or an adult)
11. Blinky (Between sweet and sour as in milk)
12. Calaboose (a jail)
13. Catawampus (Something that sits crooked such as a
piece of furniture sitting at an angle)
14. Dicker (To barter or trade)
15. Feather in Your Cap (to accomplish a goal. This came
from years ago in wartime when warriors might receive
a feather they would put in their cap for defeating an enemy)
16. Hold your horses (Be patient!)
17. Hoosegow ( a jail)
18. I reckon (I suppose)
19. Jawing/Jawboning (Talking or arguing)
20. Kit and caboodle (The whole thing)
21. Madder than an wet hen (really angry)
22. Needs taken down a notch or two (like notches in a belt usually a young person who thinks too highly of himself and needs a lesson)
23.No Spring Chicken (Not young anymore)
24.Persnickety (overly particular or snobbish)
25.Pert-near (short for pretty near)
26.Pretty is as pretty does (your actions are more important than your looks)
27.Red up (clean the house)
28.Scalawag (a rascal or unprincipled person)
29.Scarce as hen's teeth (something difficult to obtain)
30..Skedaddle (Get out of here quickly)
31. Sparking (courting)
32.Straight From the Horse's Mouth (privileged information from the one concerned)
33.Stringing around, gallivanting around, or piddling (Not doing anything of value)
34.Sunday go to meetin' dress (The best dress you had)
35.We wash up real fine (is another goodie)
36.Tie the Knot (to get married)
37.Too many irons in the fire (to be involved in too many things)
38.Tuckered out (tired and all worn out)
39. Under the weather (not feeling well this term came from going below deck on ships due to sea sickness thus you go below or under the weather) 40.Wearing your 'best bib and tucker' (Being all dressed up)
41. You ain't the only duck in the pond (It's not all about you)
42. "You're not the only pebble on the beach."(It's not all about you again)


Well, if you hold your horses, I reckon I'll get this whole kit and caboodle done and posted to the blog. Please don't be too persnickety and get a bee in your bonnet because I've been pretty tuckered out and at sea lately because I'm no spring chicken. I haven't been just stringin' around and I know I'm not the only duck in the pond, but I do have too many irons in the fire. I might just be barking at a knot, but I have tried to give this article more than just:

A LICK & A PROMISE!

Once upon a time there was a lovely lady who was pondering how awesome life would be if she had someone special to share it with. As she sat beside the pond on the back forty, a frog leaped into her lap and said: "You're a classy, beautiful, intelligent, sweet woman with a heart the size of Texas. If you will kiss me I will turn back into a handsome Cowboy. Then you can marry me and take care of my needs, feed the livestock & horses & make my breakfast before you leave for work. On the weekends, you can clean the house & stalls while I go to the Rodeo with my friends, then look your sexiest when I come home with lovin' on my mind."

That night, as she dined on sauteed frog legs in a white wine sauce, she thought to herself, "I DON'T FREAKIN' THINK SO!!"

Friday, April 17, 2009

***** Aunt Pitty Pat wants to know!! *****

I have received numerous emails and posts from other doll artisans, seamstresses and crafters that have expressed their sadness they missed the dead line to join the Annie Swap. Several of you have said they would have loved to join.. I decided to post here to see how much interest there would be to do a second down and dirty fast Annie swap!! We will be using the same Annie Pattern :) I will only require the Annie Doll in this swap.. but if you want to send extras that's OK too, but not required. Post here and let me know what you think. If I do this swap I will post the names if there are enough that want to play the first week of May. I am also going to hold a quilt block swap in May also details on this swap in a couple of weeks ;) In June.... I want to do my Christmas in July Ornament swap :) Details on that swap to come the first of June ;) So post here and let me know if your interested in another Annie Swap ;) There is going to be a lot going on in the next few months. The blog will be very busy. So please keep and eye out for the fun up coming events :)
I want to have at least 10 swappers :)
If you want to go a head and send your info ... send the following:
Name
Address
Blog
email address
International partner
Angel
Send to AuntPittyPatsfun@yahoo.com
Please indicate this is Swap #2 Thank you that will help me keep the Swaps straight :)
Sign ups will end April 30Th

I would also like to thank the designer for the pattern for this fun wonderful Annie:
http://www.thecatspyjamaspatterns.com/

I will send out the Annie Pattern when I assign partners.. we will be using the same pattern and the rules will be the same as the first Annie Swap as far as making your dolls :) Bodies are to be the same.. but the adornments maybe different.. hair color, dress, embellishments to your taste :)

Thursday, April 16, 2009

This is too funny... thank you for sharing Sarah :)

- The Silent generation, people born before 1946.
- The Baby Boomers, people born between 1946 and 1959.
- Generation X, people born between 1960 and 1979.
- Generation Y, people born between 1980 and 1995 .

Why do we call the last one generation Y? I did not know, but a caricaturist explains it eloquently below...Learned something new!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Awesome Fun

I sent everyone out an e-mail today as a friendly reminder about our Annies due date and to see how my swappers were coming along :) Me... I finally got my Annie finished today. I love how she turned out. I hope my Partner loves her ;) I will snail mail her later on in the week or on Sat. Depends on how fast I can get my extras together ;)

I have gotten several emails and photos of completed Annies.. and I have to tell you all of them are amazing. They are so fun and full of whimsy. I know everyone will love their doll when she arrives. I know from the samplings of Annies that I have seen.. they are all going to be wonderful :) No matter the sewing skill level.. some of my Annie swappers have never sewn a doll before and I have seen a couple of completed Annies that they made and I was blown away... they were fantastic!!!!

In fact I have had several of you tell me how easy she was and how you have already made 3 or 4 more of them for various reasons.

Me.... I am making one for my Dad..... he saw my completed one and he loved her and asked if I could make one for a friends daughter. I said sure.. so that will be my Toy Society doll for this month. As my dads friends family is going through some hard times right now.. and he thought it would be nice to show him there are nice people out there :) Which I agree 100% :) I know we are suppose to drop the toy.. but this man doesn't know me and I thought it would be a sweet thing for his daughter to get a surprise in the mail. :) That is what the Toy Society is about .. giving a toy to a stranger ;)

Moving on ... I don't want to leave out my Apron Swappers... I haven't seen or heard anything from you ladies.. is your aprons going ok???? You have me worried... I usually hear something from my apron swappers. I hope you all are having fun creating aprons from bits of wonderful stuff :)

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups


Recipe makes 12-16 mini peanut butter cups.
12 oz bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
1. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar and graham crackers. Set aside.
2. In a double boiler, carefully melt the chocolate (set a metal bowl on top of a saucepan with boiling water). Alternatively, you can microwave the chocolate in short bursts.
3. Using a pastry brush or a clean paintbrush, brush the melted chocolate on the bottom and sides of mini cupcake liners. It’s helpful to stack some the liners together to give more support. When in doubt, add more chocolate, since this will be the base for your candy. Place the cupcake liners on a plate or in a cupcake tin and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the liners from the freezer, and place about one teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture in each cup. Press down a bit with a spoon to spread. Spoon more melted chocolate on top of each cup.
5. Place the peanut butter cups back in the freezer for another 15 minutes to set. Eat cold or let warm to room temperature before serving

Monday, April 13, 2009

Eye Candy :)

Ok ladies I haven't posted any eye candy for a while... so here goes This is the apron I made for Yarni Gras Fiesta apron swap. I hope my partner loves it as I have not heard anything from her ;) I also added the tea/drink wallet and the snapped pouch as the extras.

This next apron is a sewing apron I made my partner for Booming Aprons March swap. It was suppose to have a spring theme to it. The other fun stuff is a tea/drink wallet and a zippered pouch that I threw in as the extras :)

Check back ....as soon as the sun comes out again I will photograph the awesome aprons that I received for these two swaps. It has been cloudy and raining here for several days. My poor camera doesn't take very good artificial light photos. So you will just have to wait... Sorry!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy Easter

He is Love

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Tonk Tonk Ba Donka Donk is a happy boy!!

Tatanka

TT came home today and the first thing we did was go to the barn and help get the horses up. My neighbor was out putting big round bales in the horse feeders. The horses have to be put up in the corral, to insure their safety when we put out the round bales. We have to open a couple of gates for the tractor go into and drop the bales. This is where the big boy does his job. He helps herd them into the corral. Tatanka was after the horses a little harder than I like, but they forgot to move for him :) But after a couple times of them skirting out away from him and moms gentle coxing Tatanka was able to pen them :) When Tatanka finished his job, he ran to the neighbor man and gave him a dog wash. I have to tell you, I got three dog washes. One at the vet clinic, one on the way home, and one when we got home ;) Aweeeeeeeeeeeee he's such a happy boy... and his mommy is very happy he's home too!!!

Tatanka

Awe isn't he a pretty Boy?????

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Easy Cinnamon Roll Muffins


Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp salt
4 tsp active dry or rapid rise yeast
2/3 cup warm milk (100-110F; low fat is fine)
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg

Filling/Topping
2 tbsp butter, room temperature
2/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch ground cardamom

Icing
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk or cream

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar and salt. Dissolve the yeast in a measuring cup filled with the warmed milk, then stir milk mixture, vegetable oil, vanilla extract and egg into the flour mixture. Mix well, until very smooth. Pour into prepared pan and let rest for 15 minutes. While the dough rests, mix together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom in a small bowl using a fork until all the butter has been incorporated into the sugar and mixture is crumbly. Divide the batter between 12 greased muffin cups. Sprinkle evenly on top of rested dough and press the mixture down into the dough with your fingertips (or swirl in with a spatula.)Place pan into a cold oven, then set the oven temperature to 350F. Bake for about 20 minutes, until bread is lightly browned at the edges and the center of the bread springs back when lightly pressed. Some of the sugar mixture on top may still be bubbling. Cool for at least 30 minutes before whisking the powdered sugar and milk together to form an icing and drizzling it onto the bread. Serve warm. Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave.

Continue-ing Saga of my sweet pup

Hello Everybody... I am sure you are all interested in knowing that the Tonk Tonk Ba Donka Donk is still having a spot of trouble with his tummy. He has been given some meds today to try and help that problem. :) I am so thankful now.... that he is in the Vet Clinic!!!
I have wonderful things to report about him.. I spoke to 3 of my neighbors last night about signing a statement regarding Tatanka. All three neighbors that I spoke to, are more than happy to sign a statement letter. Each one are willing to state they have never seen my dog running at large, and there is always someone out with him when he is in the yard.
The Vet has also stated they will write up a statement for me, about my sweet boys behavior while in their clinic... so its looking good for the two of us when it comes to court time :) I just hope the Judge looks favorable on the two of us and sees it as an unfortunate event.

Can you see me now????? Part two :)

Monday, April 6, 2009

UPDATE!!!

Thank you everyone for your support and prayers during this very difficult time for me and my baby Tatanka... I am very happy to report he was released to a Vet Hospital early this afternoon, for his care and the remainder of his jail sentence. I am just so thankful he is ok :) I spoke with the vet just a bit ago and he has calmed down considerably since coming into their clinic. The person who answered the phone... advised me they felt like he would continue to come along under their care. Upon his arrival they did a vet exam, gave him kennel cough vaccine, and did a fecal check on him to see if he had parasites from his running about. I was told he was in good health, and they hoped his diarrhea would abate soon. I was also told what a sweet wonderful boy he is and it's too bad he got himself in the spot of trouble. I will not be allow to see him because he is in Quarantine but that's ok .. I was told I could call everyday to see how he is. Someone had mentioned earlier that with current shots he could come home for the penned up time. That's just the problem.. this mommy was late on his shots!!! So some of this whole mess is the bad mommies fault too!!! I have had so many trials this year.. it never crossed my mind he was over due. But now I have appointments for the other two at the house too... because theirs was due the same time as Tatankas.. Well the Pitty got hers in Dec as she needed them to fly to Ca with me. So I have learned a very hard and expensive lesson for me and my dog!!! I still have to answer to the judge for him running at large and him biting someone. I am sure that is going to be a hefty fine too... but beleive it or not. I am happy to pay the fines as long as he gets to come back home and lives out a nice long life with me.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Why don't they do something!!!!!

I just went to see my little 55 lb Tonk Tonk Ba Donka Donka and he is terrified in that place. He has had diarrhea for the last three days that I know of and they haven't given him anything for it. I saw him Friday with upset stomach, my brother saw him yesterday when he took his own food to him. Even after I had a fit in the lobby today. Their remarks were he is stressed he will have diarrhea... I'm not stupid I understand that. Hes upset...But he is sick he needs something to stop his upset. I requested on Friday that their on call vet see him... they said the vet will be there tomorrow. Monday!!!!! That's 4 days being sick in his kennel with diarrhea all in his hair all over him and Scared!!! How long does he have to be sick???? Before they take care of him.. I am so upset I am still crying and its been over 3 hours since I saw him. I told those stupid people I understand he is scared I understand he has to be here because he bit someone. But I don't understand why I can't see him to help calm him down and why they will not get him looked at by a vet!!!! Tomorrow I am getting on the phone and calling around to every vet in this town to see if they will board him the last 6 days of his incarceration. I can't have him ill like that... It might not kill him haveing diarrhea but its killing me seeing him like that!!! Wish me luck with my fight tomorrow to get him out of there!!!! And into a regular vet clinic.

Oh The uglie-ness of it all!!!

Oh No Mr Bill.. Happy Easter :)

This was me this week when I was sick..
I just wanted to curl up and die!!!

Ugh...... have a nice breakfast.. knowing your eating these sweet little faces ;)

This is my what my POOR little POOCHIE is thinking... he escaped from the yard and is now at the Doggie Jail. ( My sweet neighbor always turns Tatanka out to go to the barn with him. Well .... he forgot about him and left him out. I am not mad at the neighbor.. it is so sweet that the two of them go to the barn together... but this time the elderly neighbor forgot!!! Heck I have forgotten to latch the gate and the horses have escaped. So it does happen once in a while.)
When I went to the shelter and found him I asked how much it would cost to bail him out. Well the guy told me that Tonk Tonk Ba Donka Donka had been a bad boy and had bitten someone and he has to remain at the shelter for 10 days!!! (So you have 10 days of board fees)That unk someone that got bitten didn't known about border collies. The guy was playing ball with him..(that was the unk's first mistake!!! hee hee hee) I am sure the guy held the ball to long and TT wanted it so he nipped him to get the guy to give it up. That is what border collies do they nip or bite when they want an animal to move. He has nipped me that way when we are playing in the yard too :) So I guess the guy now knows you have to be careful when playing with border collies!!! I am glad the unk was not hurt badly!!!
So... I said... I understood the boarding fees .. then I asked how much else it would cost to get him out... Now..... I tell you I am still sort of laughing about this ;) I don't live in the city and they are going to charge me a City license fee. The guy says to me are you going to neuter your dog??? I said what in the world for??? He is a registered show dog!!! Why would I do such a thing when he cost me so much money???
Well.... lady that will be $40.00 also because your not neutering him!!! and then the fine for letting him run a large in our city. At least my dog is in a kennel that would have been another $40.00 bucks added on to that!!!
I am all for spaying and neutering if you don't plan to breed your creature. But not all animals need to be spayed or Neutered. My Sweet Pitty is Spayed along with all most all the other creatures on the ranch. If I didn't plan on breeding them, I get them fixed. Sure I loose some of them for various reasons after the spaying and neutering.. but spaying and neutering is what you have to do to keep from having unwanted animals. We as pet owners must be responsible for our animals and their welfare. I keep TT in a kennel at all times unless someone is out in the yard with him. So he is not allowed to run a muck and reek havoc in the neighborhood. Because I know he will be a tornado when he goes down the road ;)
Now the neighbor can no longer turn TT out with him when he goes to the barn. I have to keep an eye on the both of them now!! I don't want Tonk Tonk Ba Donka Donka having to stay in the doggie jail again. It has really upset the two of us.. having him arrested!!!!

Friday, April 3, 2009

Reusable Sandwich wraps


I found this awesome tutorial on the net for re-usable sandwich wraps. I thought they look fun and easy to make. I will not put the tutorial here on my blog but I will link the photo so you can go check it out if you are so inclined ;) I think this would be an awesome extra for one of your apron swaps :) Just whip up a couple of those babies and your set!!! Great gift idea!!! I just might have to make some for my Christmas Gifts. Yep thats a plan :)