Thursday

Play along food.....

Grandma is at it again.... My grandsons have a play area in their classroom, with dishes to 'make believe' cooking and serving... Gina wants to give them the freedom to 'choose' their adult profession and being a 'Chef' is on the list.  She asked me to create 'felt food' for them... So here I go!
I did first look on the net for a few photos to give me some guidance and I was amazed how many people make 'Felt Food"....
I then went to my local "JoAnns" for felt.. I did find all the colors needed but "Buns", not the correct colors for "Hamburger or Hot dog buns"??  I'll have to make do and maybe add a bit of paint?
 
First let me gather all the supplies. Tacky gule or needle and thread?


Grapes? Eggs, sunny side up or scrambled?  hmmmm... scrambled seemed a but much. Sunny side up it is!
I then went to cutting the felt in the shapes of each food. 
Gina asked for "Eggs and Bacon"... 


And what would food be for three little boys, age 2, 4 and 6, without the ever present Hot Dog.


Grandma had to put "Salad" on the menu. They need their 'greens'.


The "French Frys" were a trick and not the correct color.. but, these are young boys mind you, I don't think they will mind?


Gina said "The boys love Ravoli" 


A few 'Grapes' to give them their 'fruit'
I had such fun making 'Felt Food'.... I used a needle and thread and a bit of 'craft cotton filler' to stuff them... now lets see if I can put them in a packing box without smashing them... Their on their way to "Guam" for the boys play house!   Have fun 'guys'!!

    
I'm linking up to

  We can do it Cheaper @ The Virginia House                            

Wednesday

"St Patty's Day"

I come from a very "Irish" Mother named "Mary Eileen Murray". Her father came to America as a young man from Ireland toting along his very English wife.
He was one of the Irish that had to work hard to establish himself living in New York, doing different trades, until he had the good sense to join the United States Coast Guard and served in WW1 and WW2.  He and his wife, Cora B Davis, created 5 children. One being my mom... 
                                                     
 
As most of you know the Irish had a rough start in America. They were considered a lesser people and most worked as laborers and house maids.  After my mom grew into a young woman she met my father. Anthony Gerbino, (who also was in the USCG) from a very Sicilian family who came to America 'on the boat".... Moms marrying an Italian was a very big "No No" in those days because it was considered beneath  the Italians  to even socialize with the Irish.  Mom told me so many stories of her early days in the 1940's when she was shunned by his family and friends. I would like to add, my son, Thomas, is a Lutinent in the USCG and my youngest daughter is married to a CG man, carrying on the family tradition.


 

Today I'm so happy to say being half Irish and half Italian is not a bad thing anymore, so celebrating "St. Patricks" day was and is a big thing in my home.  My grandfathers name was, "Thomas Partick Murray"... how much more Irish can one be?





During the time I lived in Chicago I witnessed the turning of the Chicago River, Green. 

 

Another time I lived in San Antonio TX, and walked the River Walk while it was Green.

 

 

To all of you, Irish or not, or 'just a little bit" Irish let me say 
"Happy St Patty's Day"
Follow that rainbow and let all your dreams come true!



Sunday

Month long Giveaway at "Diva's Hammer"

If you want or need a new, beautiful accent chair go to this blog...


http://adivashammer.com/archives/913/comment-page-1#comment-8391


It's a contest and "A Diva's Hammer" is telling what you must do to be chosen...

I'm in and going to win,,, but, good luck to you all!

My Valentines Day dinner

While on a search for a really nice Valentines Day dinner I found this wonderful menu in the current issue of "Country Living" magazine... if anyone loves Shrimp as I do, and Lamp Chops (something I never make due to the cost of those little charmers)... this is an amazing meal.
 
Shrimp Bisque with Bourbon

  
                                 Lamb Chops with Mint Gremolata

 
                        
     Avocado and Strawberries with Honey Vinaigrette

 
Only one more part of this meal is needed. A good bottle of wine. I found this one on line, but it's much too late for me to order so I went to my local wine store.. they did not have it, so I opted for a different brand, but just as nice.  This one sounds amazing!
Alto Almanzora Este, 2006 Blueberry, plum, fruitcake, and chocolate are just some of the flavors in this six-grape blend from Spain, a favorite of Lucas Paya's at the Bazaar in Los Angeles. ($8.99; garnetwine.com)

I did think of posting the recipes for this menu but then thought better of it.. I'm sure at this late date you all have your dinners in the oven or on the stove... if you have the copy of "Country Living" look into it, for your next special occasion.


 
"Happy Valentines Day" Everyone!