Thursday, April 22, 2010

Quilts, Rain and Pancakes- Oh My!

     This week I broke out my quilting supplies.  I have a 1930's Singer Featherweight sewing machine that I just love!  I would not trade it in for anything fancier!  It is perfect just the way it is!  It goes forwards and backwards- that's all. But it always works!  What other appliances do we have around the house that are 80 years old and still work as well today as when it was new?  This little black beauty will probably be working strong for my grandchildren too.


     I have a dear friend in Red Feather who has inspired me to start yet another sewing project.  So, Monday I started cutting out fabric for a Wizard of Oz quilt for Sarah's 7th birthday in July.  My friend and I are designing it as we go.  Yesterday I got all the center blocks finished.  There are 24 that have 6 inch pictures or quotes from the movie.  It has been a challenge and I have no idea how it will turn out.  I hope that I still like it when it is finished.  I will post pictures.

    Today we awoke to rain.  Here in Colorado it could have very easily been snow in April. I remember as a girl, I had been given a really cute umbrella.  It was like an upside down tulip.  When opened it would cover me completely, but I could still see out of it's clear vinyl.  The only problem was it hardly ever rained in Colorado.  We either had wonderful blue skies, or we had snow and hail.  I have very few memories of rainy days.  I remember walking around the neighborhood with my little umbrella on a beautiful sunshiny day hoping for rain. Today, I wish had that umbrella for my little ones.  They are walking around the cul-de-sac in their winter coats holding crab apple blossoms in the rain.



   Last night, I promised my girls we'd make pancakes.  I have a recipe that is easy to do and has great results.  No need for Bisquick or Aunt Jamima mix, but just as quick. That means, I don't have to plan ahead.

Yummy Pancakes

1 1/2 cup milk
1 T lemon juice (optional)
1 egg beaten
3 T melted butter
1 t vanilla

1 1/2 cup flour
3 1/2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
1T sugar


1. In a small bowl mix together wet ingredients.  If using the lemon, let this mixture sit for a minute. In a large bowl mix together all dry ingredients.  Make a well in the center.  Pour in liquids, mix until smooth.
2. Heat a lightly oiled (can use the melted butter mentioned above) skillet or griddle over medium heat.  Pour or scoop 1/4 cup batter onto griddle for each pancake.  Brown on both sides and serve hot. You can easily add a few blueberries to make this even yummier.