April Card Challenge

WOW, have I been missing in action.  Thanks to the Craft's Meow and the April card challenge, I'm back for a few minutes. I love this stamp set designed by Nina B.  This is my first challenge.  Please let me know what you think!

Brown Grasshoppers

The temps have dropped (almost 30 degrees) in the last few days.  I do love the feel of fall but already miss the warm new life feel of spring and summer.  Time for warmer comfort foods and a little re-decorating. 

Everything on this wreath came from my stash (I really need to clean the attic..........and we've only lived here 6 years----another day!)  The twig wreath was on clearance at Michael's after Christmas, covered with silvery glitzy Christmas "stuff".  I removed all the glitz from this one.  Now for a can of spray paint (kind of like a facelift only less expensive and less painful).  Then just add your "treasurers".....old flowers from past projects, acorns, leaves, strings, dried okra pods......whatever you have, even broken pieces of flower pots. 

More summer fun

 These are Anne Arundell Musk melons.  A cross between a canteloupe and a honey dew.  They produce more than we can eat or give away.  They were grown from seed we purchased from Thomas Jefferson's homeplace--Monticello. 

Musk melon

Pickled Jalapenos.............crunchy and oh so good!



Fig Preserves

  The fig preserves were so easy and only make a small amount.  Perfect since I don't harvest many figs at a time.  Reminds me of my Aunt Lillian's house.  She had a wonderful fig bush.  I miss her so much!  Here's my recipe for the preserves:

Fig Preserves
1 pound figs (stemmed)
1 cup sugar
1 Tb lemon juice
lemon zest (optional)
Bring to a boil slowly.  Cook uncovered for 30 minutes on low, stirring often.  Makes 3 - 4 jelly jars (1/4 pint).  Pour hot mixture into clean hot jars, wipe rim and seal with lid and ring.  Process for 5 minutes in a water bath.  Remove from water and let cool.  Just the right size for us as we rarely eat jellies.  Enjoy

Summer Affair.............gone but not forgotten

 Each year from Labor Day to New Year's Day my son confesses to an affair with someone named Summit.  He obviously is infatuated with Summit as he returns to this "mistress" year after year.  As for me, my summer affair is with "Mason".............in the South, we call 'em mason jars.  And my goal each summer is to fill all that I can.  No vegetable left behind.  So here's how I spent my summer vacation.  (Oh and by the way, Summit--don't you love that name for a girl--is the maker of deer stands.)



tomatoes, .......and more tomatoes, ............and you get the picture



pickles, 2 types to tomato sauce








Some Like It Hot!!

Time to get some more salsa going. 

Summer's Bounty

Hot and humid makes my garden grow.............and grow.........and grow.  Strawberries have long been gone.  Now replaced by larger red beauties, I'm spending my summer vacation (after work and on weekends) canning tomatoes, tomato sauce, and salsa.  A large basket of cucumbers is calling my name so I'll have to run.  Don't want to be accused of "veggie abuse".  "Vacation photos to follow."  Anyone else canning or freezing?

Time to Create

Finally a little time to be creative.  With Mother's Day fast approaching, it was time to get cracking.  Wish I could tell you more about the creation of this card but most of it was from my stash.  The old lace across the bottom (and I do mean OLD) was a treasure from my mother's house.  Her house is a treasure trove of wonders just waiting to be discovered.  Thanks Mom!

Wish I didn't have to make sympathy cards but hope my dear friend who lost her sister last week will know now much I care about her.

 And one more tonight.  For a sweet girl who's graduating from high school.