Something Special

I won this form a lovely blog and a delightfully talented gal.
From Lisa at http://momentsinaneye.blogspot.com 
It is soooo fitting as we have a big Koi pond in our backyard and really enjoy the fish.
Lisa has a shop at Etsy www.artfulexpressions.etsy.com
Do take a look at her blog and Etsy shop, very creative !
Thank you so much Lisa,this is truly appreciated and will be  in a special spot.

Spring is here!

We seldom see weather like this in Northern Michigan.
To think the last day of winter was 81 degrees and the first day of Spring 84. Highly unusual but ever so welcome,even after a mild winter.
My Lilac trees are smallish green, the grass is some what green and the windows are open.
I saw the field rabbit's playing this morning and the O'possum is back hangin out in the barn rafters.
The Robin's have been singing to us for several days and best of all my delightful Fernando (our pond frog) has returned.
Life is good here, hope it is where you are...Happy Spring to everyone. The earth is awake and life blooms.

Delightful Mail

I started following this blog quite awhile ago and always love it when lesley writes a post. I feel like I'm in the room beside her chatting along and she has some terrific frugul ideas too!
We recently had a trade,just we two,ATC's and goodies. Her package arrived yesterday and I am just thrilled,she's even more talented then I thought !!
My very favorite is the tiny Domino book she made,too small for my eyes to do so it's extremely special.
Thank you Les for such a delightful package of treasures.

Do visit her at http://harmonyroadstudio.blogspot.com

Almost Spring

I know it isn't Spring every where.
Officially it's the 20th just 3 more days. We are having amazing ,sunny and warm weather here in Michigan. Maybe wondering if this is for real or will we see a cool summer!
So I decided to paint a vase of Spring flower's even though nothing is blooming around here.
I hope everyone is enjoying some nice weather where ever you may be.

A work of Art

This to me in a true work of art.
It is a BEAUTIFUL,knitted  nest of many yarns,and mixed fibers that boggle my mind. To put it altogether and make it look so real and perfect is a true artist at work.
One has to be very patient to get one of these as the waiting list is long. But the wait is worth it and I'm so delighted to have purchased this treasure from Vicki.
Do visit her blog http://vicki-2bagsfull.blogspot.com  it's as lovely as her creations.
Thank you Vicki,this is truly a treasure.

Irish Stew

I mentioned my Grandmother's Irish Stew in a post the other day and some requested the recipe. So here it is.
2 T. veg.oil
1lb.mutton or lamb cutlrts,bone removed cut into chunks.
2 lbs. Potatoes,peeled,  cut in quarters
1 Cup onion roughly chopped
1 Cup leeks,cleaned,finely sliced
1Cup Carrots roughly cut
1 pint Dark beef stock
1 bottle dark beer
2 to 3 Cabbage leaves thinly sliced
Brown Lamb in oil on all sides.
Use casserole dish or dutch oven.

Layer 1/2 lamb, 1/2 potatoes,1/2 onion, leek and carrots. Cover with half the liquid. Repeat with remaining meat, vegetables and liquid.
Season with salt ,pepper and top with cabbage leaves.
Place in the oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Check now and then to make sure liquid does not dry out. The liquid should cover everything as it cooks. You can add more stock  or beer or some of each. Turn off the oven and let sit in the oven another 20 min.
Serve in bowls. Serves 4
I have over the years added some fresh garlic (2 cloves chopped) because we like the additional flavor. Enjoy

Lucky Me !

I won this awesomely beautiful Cigar Box creation from Denise
at her delightful blog http://birdnutsmixedmedia.blogspot.com
She is ever so talented and has all kinds of exciting things going on her blog. I insist you visit and enjoy !!
Thank you Denise for a creative piece of art I will treasure.It is a gorgeous creation.

Todays Art

First is a mixed media painting. I collaged the canvas with various paper's and painted the vase of Rose's over the paper.
The card's are simply stamped with a variety of stamps and black ink.
The muslin ribbon is also stamped and ties them altogether.
Busy fun on a windy , cold day in Northern Michigan.