tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37021757088848206172024-03-13T21:45:31.747-07:00Salty,Sweet, & SouthernSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-35559168028474095932010-05-31T16:04:00.000-07:002010-08-24T15:44:12.395-07:00Remembering and Honoring Our MilitaryMy famiy has just returned from the US Naval Academy where my college girl presented an award for Honor for her Grandfather who died while serving our great country! This award has been presented since 1962. This Memorial Day remember those who have served and the fine young men and women who have made the commitment to serve!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARLyOoEk2I/AAAAAAAAARA/JXD-gBX_0r8/s1600/000_0246+edt+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477586373081076578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARLyOoEk2I/AAAAAAAAARA/JXD-gBX_0r8/s400/000_0246+edt+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARJA61x_pI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/bw25XU7SF0Q/s1600/000_0059.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477583326933024402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARJA61x_pI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/bw25XU7SF0Q/s400/000_0059.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARHz9Kl5mI/AAAAAAAAAQw/I5sZYlGYxMU/s1600/000_0005ed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477582004707255906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/TARHz9Kl5mI/AAAAAAAAAQw/I5sZYlGYxMU/s400/000_0005ed.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-50232834048203297852010-04-05T15:32:00.000-07:002010-04-05T15:58:27.296-07:00Easter! I love this time of the year!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S7pm5fYq6QI/AAAAAAAAAQo/ynSMX4HzQwg/s1600/DSC_0255.JPG"></a>After a long, record breaking winter this Easter and Spring is more appreciated! I have really enjoyed decorating more this year with the beautiful fresh pastel colors. This Easter was very relaxing. I tried to do most of lunch preparation before our family went to church. We had ham with a Bourbon cherry glaze, mashed pototoes, fresh broccoli and cauliflower, fruit salad, fresh field peas, rolls, and pound cake with fresh strawberries with whipped cream.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S7pm5IZzp0I/AAAAAAAAAQg/rXjpHi8_uGg/s1600/DSC_0262.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456787030207080258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S7pm5IZzp0I/AAAAAAAAAQg/rXjpHi8_uGg/s400/DSC_0262.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S7pl8_sIJ5I/AAAAAAAAAQY/TqXWQ9BNISI/s1600/DSC_0250.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456785997075851154" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S7pl8_sIJ5I/AAAAAAAAAQY/TqXWQ9BNISI/s400/DSC_0250.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-63399222764212837292010-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:002010-02-14T05:35:16.241-08:00Wishing you a day filled with joy and love!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3drqYlzi0I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/XbxgNBuoZS0/s1600-h/000_0106ed+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437933450972859202" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3drqYlzi0I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/XbxgNBuoZS0/s400/000_0106ed+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3drp1r9pLI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-yBOWLSJJZM/s1600-h/000_0104+ed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 304px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437933441603445938" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3drp1r9pLI/AAAAAAAAAQI/-yBOWLSJJZM/s400/000_0104+ed.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><em><strong>Hugs from SSS</strong></em></span></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>Sharon<br /></em></span></span></span></strong><div> </div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-9270620681119204252010-02-13T07:11:00.000-08:002010-02-13T19:24:29.873-08:00Sweets for the Sweethearts<p align="justify"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bECC1gR4I/AAAAAAAAAPw/CrMecNQFeUg/s1600-h/000_0020.JPG"></a></p>The cute boxes came from the Dollar Tree.... then I stuffed them with homemade fudge and candies!... The Pink Note Cards and Pink Rose Soap Petals came from Michael's...<br /><div align="center">...</div>Happy Valentine's Day Care Package for My college Girl and her Sweetheart Sisters!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bDk60HpjI/AAAAAAAAAPo/pb3BnqjDFwM/s1600-h/000_0017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437748639127021106" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bDk60HpjI/AAAAAAAAAPo/pb3BnqjDFwM/s400/000_0017.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bDGl3caxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/2PTk0BlNs60/s1600-h/000_0007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437748118107745042" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bDGl3caxI/AAAAAAAAAPg/2PTk0BlNs60/s400/000_0007.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bBhvzbOcI/AAAAAAAAAPI/FtgE8C3edhI/s1600-h/000_0022.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437746385608456642" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/S3bBhvzbOcI/AAAAAAAAAPI/FtgE8C3edhI/s400/000_0022.JPG" /></a> Happy Valentine's Day<br />From SSS<br />Sharon<br /></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-20376818852732253832009-12-29T06:20:00.000-08:002009-12-29T06:52:40.508-08:00Christmas Morning 2009Every Christmas morning we have this breakfast casserole. I make it the night before and refrige it until the morning. I cook it while we are unwrapping our Christmas presents. Timing of cooking and unwrapping presents seems to always works out perfectly. After breakfast we finish with stocking gifts! This keeps me out of the kitchen and with family to enjoy every minute of Christmas morning! <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzoQ4MostUI/AAAAAAAAAOs/hyXQMm2P_J4/s1600-h/000_0173+052.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420663659144459586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzoQ4MostUI/AAAAAAAAAOs/hyXQMm2P_J4/s400/000_0173+052.jpg" /></a> This is great for any occassion when you have guests. It is one of the best breakfast casseroles I have tasted! <br /><br /><strong>Sausage/Egg Casserole</strong><br />6 slices of bread, trimmed<br />1 lb. sausage<br />8 oz. shredded cheddar<br />6 eggs<br />1 1/2 cups milk<br />Diced onion and green pepper<br />Salt and pepper<br />1 tsp, mustard ( I do not use)<br /><br />Line 9 x 13 greased casserole with bread slices. Brown sausage and veggies. Spread in layer<br />over bread. Top with cheese.<br /><br />Beat eggs, milk, mustard, salt, and pepper together. Pour into casserole. Cover with foil and refrigerate. <br /><br />Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until set. When ready to eat uncover for 5 more minutes and sprinkle with a little cheese. <br /><br />Enjoy! <br />From SSS<br />SharonSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-61212202085405864572009-12-25T19:25:00.000-08:002009-12-25T20:14:11.011-08:00Merry Christmas<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzWNhOGFqZI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pev3hWFumQM/s1600-h/000_0202+ed+sss+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419393328469092754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzWNhOGFqZI/AAAAAAAAAOk/pev3hWFumQM/s400/000_0202+ed+sss+copy.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzWCXNDw_GI/AAAAAAAAAOc/j8EBKdk7StM/s1600-h/000_0202+ed+sss+sm.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-79561949904769014242009-12-23T06:31:00.000-08:002009-12-25T19:30:07.448-08:00Gingerbread House Making<div align="center"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Gingerbread Houses 2009... Our Christmas tradition and memories continue...</strong></span></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzOAQcKmrnI/AAAAAAAAAOU/C5MUwlwrHcg/s1600-h/000_0130+e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418815796583771762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzOAQcKmrnI/AAAAAAAAAOU/C5MUwlwrHcg/s400/000_0130+e.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzN-2SUR4rI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3FgBnwAW7Ss/s1600-h/000_0018e.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418814247751770802" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzN-2SUR4rI/AAAAAAAAAOM/3FgBnwAW7Ss/s400/000_0018e.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418810070254556018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SzN7DH7VE3I/AAAAAAAAAOE/K_Ewf4thp_k/s400/gingerbread..sm+copy" /> The older the more creative they get!<br /><br />I have used this recipe since 1993. It was from the McCall's magazine which is not in print anymore. Hope you can start your own tradition with your children or grandchildren. As you can see even my college girls love to make the houses. Every year they get more elaborate! I think it is even more fun today. Our home was filled with laughter and chattering of friends getting caught up after another year in college. What a wonderful afternoon and a memories we will take with us!<br />Recipe:<br /><br /><div align="left">7 to 8 cups unsifted all-purpose flour<br />2 Tbsp + 2 tsp ground ginger<br />1 Tbsp + 2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />2 tsp each ground cloves and nutmeg<br />1 1/2 tsp each baking soda and salt<br />2 1/2 cups sugar<br />1 1/2 unsalted butter, softed<br />1 1/2 cups molasses<br />1/2 cup water<br />1 tsp ground cardamom ( I have never used this)<br />1. In a large bowl mix 4 cups flour, the spices, baking soda and salt. In a large bowl of electric mixer, beat sugar and butter until light. Beat in molasses and the water. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Beat in remaining flour, 1 cup at a time, until soft dough forms. Shape into several 1/2 in thick disks. Wrap in plastic wrap; chill at least 3 hours or overnight. </div><br /><div align="left">Pre heat oven to 350. Roll out dough to 1/4 inch. Using patterns and knife, cut out shape. Bake 15 minutes or until firm to touch. Remove gingerbread to large cooling rack. make sure pieces lie flat. Makes 4 to 6 houses.</div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">Tips:</div><br /><div align="left">1. Roll dough on parchment paper and cut out the house piece on it. Cut the paper and place on the cookie sheet. </div><br /><div align="left">2. I use the Wilton MeringuePowder for the royal icing. Quick and dries very hard. Put it in ziplock bags and snip a hole in corner. Each person has their own for decorating the house. </div><br /><div align="left">3. Use a heavy duty mixer. My Kitchen Aid mixer even struggles making this dough. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">4. Cut out a window in side. crush butterscotch and fill window hole to make a stain glass window. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-28153838018515723062009-11-21T20:01:00.000-08:002009-11-22T09:53:37.892-08:00Castaway ... Treasure<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Swi4HJLhikI/AAAAAAAAANM/wsDz-ruic5k/s1600/MB+collage+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 397px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406773785521130050" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Swi4HJLhikI/AAAAAAAAANM/wsDz-ruic5k/s400/MB+collage+copy.jpg" /></a> <div>I have been looking for several years for a chest for our master bedroom. Unexpectably one afternoon on a trip to Office Depot my husband suggeted we go in and browse at one of the consignment shops next to the Office Depot. Funny when you least expect it....there it is! As you can see I love traditional furntiure. Although it is not exactly the same as my bed and dresser, it is definitely close enough. Guess someone was ready to get rid of the old tradtional furniture. Just my luck I love this chest and and now it has a new home! This is one of my best finds. Do you ever wonder about where your finds came from and why?</div><div>More sunshine from SSS,</div><div><em>Sharon<span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span></span></em></div><br /><div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-858505475245694942009-11-09T20:34:00.000-08:002009-11-09T21:03:09.844-08:00Tracking Ida!<div><div>Ida is heading to the Panhandle. She has already brought lots of rain, wind (50 mph), and a day off from work. Hopefully that is all she will be known for. Not like Ivan which caused major devastation in 2004. She has been downgraded to a tropical storm. So Ida should not be much of a threat. </div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-61609828908924799182009-11-02T03:35:00.000-08:002009-11-02T03:50:41.626-08:00Made Especially for You...Now my homemade jelly is ready for gift giving....simple label made on the computer.<br /><br /><div align="center">Enjoy! .... this beautiful day!</div><br /><div align="center">Sharon</div><div align="center"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Su7FDFmBESI/AAAAAAAAAMI/5D1AqgIb89s/s1600-h/000_0245-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399469660095713570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Su7FDFmBESI/AAAAAAAAAMI/5D1AqgIb89s/s400/000_0245-1.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Su7FCgvMUXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/rZDrqScG5QI/s1600-h/000_0248-1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399469650202087794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Su7FCgvMUXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/rZDrqScG5QI/s400/000_0248-1.JPG" /></a> <div> </div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-33327287998713081162009-10-31T07:46:00.001-07:002009-10-31T09:25:22.414-07:00Happy Pinkoween!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Suxgs55s7zI/AAAAAAAAALw/EcfGwth8A-Y/s1600-h/000_0237-1+ed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398796377883733810" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Suxgs55s7zI/AAAAAAAAALw/EcfGwth8A-Y/s400/000_0237-1+ed.jpg" /></a> <div><strong>Skull and Cross Bones</strong> (Chi O symbol) treats for the college girls: The decorated Dollar Tree cups filled with candy and adorned with ribbon on the handles are little Halloween treats this year for my college girl and her sorority sisters. This was a fun and easy project. Just print out the names in selected font, tape on inside of cup, and trace. Since the cup is see through it was easy to trace the names with permanent marker.</div><div></div><br /><div>A LITTLE EXTRA TREAT FOR MY COLLEGE GIRL</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SuxdmYSAuiI/AAAAAAAAALo/I52jn_0RjQI/s1600-h/000_0262+ed.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398792967244790306" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SuxdmYSAuiI/AAAAAAAAALo/I52jn_0RjQI/s400/000_0262+ed.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SuxjLxq28vI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yRPpgjyCXTM/s1600-h/000_0295.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398799107273192178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SuxjLxq28vI/AAAAAAAAAL4/yRPpgjyCXTM/s400/000_0295.JPG" /></a> She loves Lilly so I thought I would create her a Lilly themed Trick or Treat basket. Treats of "Lilly Wink" perfume and pink/ green candy. The big "Happy Lillyoween" is a giant Hersey bar. The cauldron colors were also pink, green and yellow. I painted the candy corn on the side in Lilly colors, instead of yellow, orange and white.<br />Hope you y'all have a fun- filled Halloween! <div><div><div></div><div></div><div>Sunshine from SSS,</div><br /><div>Sharon</div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-87076277988972010662009-09-13T17:23:00.000-07:002009-09-13T18:56:49.981-07:00Grape Picking & Homemade Jelly.....Gift Giving!!!!<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sq2NrmFHw_I/AAAAAAAAALI/MVUhZcyOOwk/s1600-h/collage+grapes+copy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381112909873529842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sq2NrmFHw_I/AAAAAAAAALI/MVUhZcyOOwk/s400/collage+grapes+copy.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="left">Making homemade jelly is very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">satisfying</span>! It is some work I must say, but well worth it! First, we went grape picking with some of our friends which always makes work (picking) more fun! Of course, I wondered all over the orchard tasting grapes trying to find the sweetest ones. I think I ate more than I picked! The grapes are actually what I call <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">scuppenongs</span></span></span>. They taste very different from store bought grapes. As you can see they come in a deep purple and bronze and grow on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">vines just</span> like grapes. This orchard is owned by an 80 something year old gentleman who still <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">maintains</span> the grapes. While we were there picking he was there <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">pruning</span> the vines and picking grapes . Quite a feat considering he is blind and uses a walker! His lovely wife was with him and it was amazing to see Mrs. B, also 80 something, moving easily under the vines from row to row. We were beginning to think there maybe a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fountain</span> of youth in this orchard! Mr. B loves trains and that is a real <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">caboose</span> on the property! This is the second year we have had the pleasure to be asked to pick the grapes. I hope this will be an annual event for us....especially now I am getting more canning supplies. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Jelly making is really not that hard with the right supplies...just time consuming! I used the "Sure Jell" Pectin recipe. So far the jelly has turned out perfectly! I would suggest that you get a few gadgets for canning. It really makes it a lot easier! I bought the jelly strainer bag kit. Last year I used cheesecloth and it was harder to work with. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I ended up with <strong>40 jars</strong> of sweet homemade jelly!!! Of course, most of the jelly will go for gifts like last year. Guess the most fun about making the jelly is eating it and giving it away!! My sweet college girl and sweet older daughter have already asked for me to send them a care package.</div><div align="left">Now all I need is a pretty label!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Sunshine from SSS,</div><div align="center">Sharon</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-50871998213302781252009-07-21T12:06:00.000-07:002009-09-13T18:57:52.252-07:00My kind of tree! Bottle tree!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360993347280078338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SmYTC6vchgI/AAAAAAAAAKo/dQovnOjWqM4/s400/DSC_0007-3.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360994185231482226" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SmYTzsWoPXI/AAAAAAAAALA/rdVagp5KCxI/s400/DSC_0009-3.JPG" />Just visited my wonderful sisters and brothers in Alabama! It is always so nice to get to see my family! This bottle tree is in my sister's yard. Isn't it so fun! <div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-26378520995016451532009-07-03T15:42:00.000-07:002009-09-13T19:16:05.316-07:00Happy 4th! : Celebrate America Project<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6QMmqv0SI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Yu2e1PzIg80/s1600-h/000_0010+010_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354375553202770210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6QMmqv0SI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Yu2e1PzIg80/s400/000_0010+010_edited-1.jpg" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354375551016135698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6QMehabBI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/3pse6gcvqxE/s400/000_0018+018.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354375560004994226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6QNAAhhLI/AAAAAAAAAKI/i40-7bhd3XU/s400/000_0013+013_edited-1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354375565796711794" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6QNVlYHXI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/qabbRxJZnLQ/s400/000_0015+015.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354377813197054978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6SQJzX5AI/AAAAAAAAAKg/bUmkZTq7JM8/s400/000_0038+038_edited-1.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354376586239361122" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6RIvB3QGI/AAAAAAAAAKY/RLEwjDnsfjU/s400/000_0056+054_edited-1.jpg" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6KEN6mS_I/AAAAAAAAAJw/96JShK6i3WE/s1600-h/000_0059+057_edited-2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354368812049648626" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sk6KEN6mS_I/AAAAAAAAAJw/96JShK6i3WE/s400/000_0059+057_edited-2.jpg" /></a>The front door wreath got a red, white, and blue make over just in time for the 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>! Easy project done with WM flowers and ribbon. The wreath vine I got from the yard years ago. So this project cost me very little. I don't glue the flowers into the wreath <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> I can change it for other <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasions</span>. Just cut the flowers stems short with wire cutters. Push the flower stems in between the branches of the vine. Make a bow. I will give you steps to how to make a bow on another post. ..if you would like. Done and hang!</div><div align="center">Hope you have a Happy 4<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>!</div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Sunshine from SSS,</span></em></div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:130%;">Sharon</span></em></span></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-91552669365421970772009-06-26T08:12:00.000-07:002009-09-13T18:58:47.783-07:00Pepperoni Roll<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkT_kjYMaVI/AAAAAAAAAJg/OjjsCy4jJes/s1600-h/Foodie_Friday_Logo_2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351683260660083026" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkT_kjYMaVI/AAAAAAAAAJg/OjjsCy4jJes/s400/Foodie_Friday_Logo_2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <div>Foodie Fridays @ Designs by Gollum, <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com//">http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com//</a> This blog site has it all...food, decorating, & beautiful tablescapes !!!<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtdT23PRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/KYAruMcwP4g/s1600-h/2009+02+18+273.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351663345025367314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtdT23PRI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/KYAruMcwP4g/s400/2009+02+18+273.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtc3IpmpI/AAAAAAAAAJI/KaNXAIp9jG4/s1600-h/2009+02+18+267.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351663337315342994" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtc3IpmpI/AAAAAAAAAJI/KaNXAIp9jG4/s400/2009+02+18+267.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtcFotBHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/794hJbRnDPI/s1600-h/2009+02+18+256.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351691342193636338" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkUG69b8M_I/AAAAAAAAAJo/VnR9auD7UpE/s400/2009+02+18+258.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351663324028011634" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkTtcFotBHI/AAAAAAAAAIw/794hJbRnDPI/s400/2009+02+18+256.JPG" /></a>This dish can be used as a quick meal or appetizer. I really don't know the official name of it, but it is easy to make and tastes great. Plus most of us keep these ingredients on hand.<br /><div><div></div><div></div><div>1 Frozen bread loaf defrosted (soft enough to roll it out)</div><div>1 Package of Pepperonis</div><div>Shredded Mozzarella cheese</div><div>1/4 cup melted butter </div><div>Garlic salt to taste ( add in butter)</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Defrost bread. Roll out on floured surface into rectangle shape. Then put pepperonis down the center in two rows. Sprinkle cheese on top of pepperonis. Fold over the sides and seal ends of roll. Place seam down and bake at 350 degrees until top is golden. As soon as it comes out of the oven brush with melted garlic butter. </div><div>Have great sunny weekend!</div><div></div><div align="center"><em>Sunshine from SSS,</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>Sharon </em></div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div></div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-36660556738926132972009-06-23T12:09:00.000-07:002009-09-13T19:15:10.122-07:00Sweet Wedding Gift Idea<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkEya7u7ftI/AAAAAAAAAIo/46EtCEa5D_M/s1600-h/Apron+blog_edited-1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350613270585376466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkEya7u7ftI/AAAAAAAAAIo/46EtCEa5D_M/s400/Apron+blog_edited-1.jpg" /></a> Love is in the air! It is that time of the year for weddings! We have been invited to 5 weddings in the last two months. We found this cookbook at Tuesday Mornings. It's the perfect wedding gift---the <em>Better Homes and Gardens, New Cook Book, Bridal Edition</em>. It has all the information of the original trusted, red checkered <em>Better Homes and Gardens.</em> You all probably have one too... I do. This new edition has added a section for romantic dinners, a guide to wine, cheese, & cocktails, and hosting your first holiday dinner. Maybe I should buy one for myself! <div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Also, I monogrammed a store bought apron with the Bride's name and trimmed it with some light green polka dot grosgrain ribbon. The final touch was a note wishing the couple a home filled with love ...and lots of home-cooked meals! </div><br /><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Sunshine from SSS,</div><div align="center"><em>Sharon </em></div><div align="center"></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-26782791258987862932009-06-22T16:09:00.000-07:002009-09-13T19:17:10.117-07:00Sweet and Southern: Gift Giving Idea<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkAR6BO4_zI/AAAAAAAAAII/poU4bEZIARw/s1600-h/000_0006+006+ed_edited-1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 418px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350296045777125170" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkAR6BO4_zI/AAAAAAAAAII/poU4bEZIARw/s320/000_0006+006+ed_edited-1.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkAQ78sXhYI/AAAAAAAAAIA/U1A5xSSPkCY/s1600-h/000_0007+007.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 384px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350294979406693762" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkAQ78sXhYI/AAAAAAAAAIA/U1A5xSSPkCY/s320/000_0007+007.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkASjJ1BrJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LT-e0ShwoF0/s1600-h/000_0003+003.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 408px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350296752459197586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkASjJ1BrJI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/LT-e0ShwoF0/s320/000_0003+003.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SkAP8_GZ8DI/AAAAAAAAAH4/CniV_c8RWNI/s1600-h/000_0007+007.jpg"></a><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div>I mentioned this wine bottle cheese/ appetizer serving dish in my last blog. I gave these as gifts to all my bunko friends for Christmas. I made the gift tag for each one with a real wine cork. My husband drilled a whole through the center of the cork and I attached it to the gift by threading the raffia through the cork and tying a knot in the end. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These were real wine bottles (from our bunko dinners... a lot of dinners!) which were "slumped" in my sister's kiln. The very high temperatures literally causes the bottles to collapse flat. It takes all day in the kiln for this process. I put the clear protector buttons on the bottom of the dish and added the decorative (of course, sea horses and sea turtles) spreader to the dish. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>One of my bunko friend's son recently got married and we saved the champagne bottle from the wedding toast for the newly weds. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">Sunshine from SSS,</div><br /><div align="center">Sharon</div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-79826286300403961562009-06-19T07:58:00.000-07:002009-09-13T19:17:49.749-07:00Salty and Sweeeeet: The Gulf Coast Breezes & Thursday in the Park<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjvvQWj2GyI/AAAAAAAAAHw/18uIs0MvgK4/s1600-h/Foodie_Friday_Logo_2%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 258px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349132046645467938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjvvQWj2GyI/AAAAAAAAAHw/18uIs0MvgK4/s320/Foodie_Friday_Logo_2%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sjuz66C_shI/AAAAAAAAAHY/-et5r_1Ku6E/s1600-h/000_0018+018+ed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349066807028199954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sjuz66C_shI/AAAAAAAAAHY/-et5r_1Ku6E/s320/000_0018+018+ed.jpg" /></a><br /><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sju4WZYCMRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/2KG6kD8nJLo/s1600-h/000_0004+004+ed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 173px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 232px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349071677340922130" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sju4WZYCMRI/AAAAAAAAAHo/2KG6kD8nJLo/s320/000_0004+004+ed.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjutAl2bAxI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/K00wj08Pgg4/s1600-h/000_0003+003+ed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 271px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349059208104575762" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjutAl2bAxI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/K00wj08Pgg4/s320/000_0003+003+ed.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sju2yNrOq8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/I2D5w4Zsd5A/s1600-h/DSC_0007-1+ed.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349069956213287874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sju2yNrOq8I/AAAAAAAAAHg/I2D5w4Zsd5A/s320/DSC_0007-1+ed.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/Sjuq0kxbhxI/AAAAAAAAAHI/WXJKz68FjEc/s1600-h/DSC_0004-1.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div><br />"Thursdays in the Park" have become a fun filled, families, friends, and community time at the local park. As the cool Gulf breeze fills the air with the music of a local band, children wade in the warm water and play on the swings near by. Friends chat and get caught up on the local news. As for my family we look forward to an evening of spenidng time together and enjoying some simple snacks. My family's favorites to enjoy are fruit, cheese, wine, and crackers. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The cheese ball above is one of my family's favorite! I really can't remember where I got this recipe, but I have made it for years. It is probably the eaaiest cheese ball ever!</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#000000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000000;">Philadelphia Cream Cheese Ball</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>(World's Easiest Cheese Ball)</strong></div><div align="center">8ozs. cream cheese</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">1 package of ranch dressing</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Chopped pecans to cover</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Mix cream cheese with ranch dressing. Form into a ball and roll in chopped pecans. Chill </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Serve with Wheat Thins or any cracker of your choice. I used Reduced Fat cream cheese and reduced fat Wheat Thins. My family did not notice a difference in taste using the reduced fat products. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">( The blue serving dish the cheese ball is served on is a wine bottle my sister "slumped" in her kiln. These make great gifts. That is a blog for another day.)</div><div align="left"></div><div><br /></div><div align="left">Enjoy your summer and look for those times to celebrate summer evenings with your family. Something as simple as "Thursdays in the Park" creates a family memory that will last a life time. </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">Love from SSS,</div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><em>Sharon</em> </div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-55426074367693717112009-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:002009-06-15T09:19:58.524-07:00Truly Southern: First Taste of Summer & School is OUT!!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjZoNGd_mOI/AAAAAAAAAG4/bT77IPqnAbM/s1600-h/tomatoes_edited-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347576181833046242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjZoNGd_mOI/AAAAAAAAAG4/bT77IPqnAbM/s400/tomatoes_edited-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> My first home grown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tomato</span>... and my first <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tomato</span> sandwich! Probably to many people this may not sound very good. Believe me tomatoes from the grocery store do not make <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tomato</span> sandwiches like a home grown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tomato</span>. In the south we can really grow the best tasting tomatoes! We even have Tomato Festivals!! Of course, this sandwich is only made with fresh bread, mayo, salt & pepper, and my first homegrown <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tomato</span>. No BLT... just "T", tomatoes! You know even Queen Elizabeth is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">growning</span> her own garden these days! Did I mention... if I don't get any more tomatoes from my very small garden, this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tomato</span> sandwich will have cost me about $75! But it was worth it! Nothing like your first summer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">tomato</span> sandwich!<br /><div></div><br /><div>My summer <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">officially</span> starts today! We just finished another wonderful school year! Here we are at our End of the Year celebration program by throwing confetti all over the cafeteria and our traditional waving "Good bye" to our little ones as they leave for the summer!!!! I always wish (pray) for them to have a safe and happy summer as I see their happy faces leave us for the long summer days!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347586402059466226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 160px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SjZxf_x2tfI/AAAAAAAAAHA/h6vekf4tbcM/s320/Untitled-1.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-25268052034685873982009-02-25T05:10:00.000-08:002009-02-25T05:15:21.030-08:00Opening Day!!!! Big Day!!After two years and a very long stressful journey we are opening our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Express</span> Car Wash!!! Pray for us in this economy!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-47097212342059812542009-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:002009-02-22T19:07:20.405-08:00Beads, Moon Pies, Floats... Mardi Gras Parade on the BeachMy oldest Sweet Daughter, my Sweet Husband and I had such a wonderful time at the local Mardi Gras parade. As you can see it was a beautiful day to spend on the beach with friends and family!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIOYAlScGI/AAAAAAAAAGg/OB28Cp2NxbY/s1600-h/2009+02+21+051+ed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305819116631912546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIOYAlScGI/AAAAAAAAAGg/OB28Cp2NxbY/s400/2009+02+21+051+ed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIOXnaqhsI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bpohhkkbo8M/s1600-h/2009+02+21+119+edk5+crop.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305819109876467394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIOXnaqhsI/AAAAAAAAAGY/Bpohhkkbo8M/s400/2009+02+21+119+edk5+crop.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div><div><br /> </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIMljClu1I/AAAAAAAAAGA/nka1CZSCH7o/s1600-h/2009+02+21+061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305817150196661074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIMljClu1I/AAAAAAAAAGA/nka1CZSCH7o/s400/2009+02+21+061.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="color:#cc33cc;">My Sweet Daughter had to give a kiss for the flower!<br /></span><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaILNTDQ9mI/AAAAAAAAAF4/t7hKL7fT4NQ/s1600-h/2009+02+21+048.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305815634076038754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaILNTDQ9mI/AAAAAAAAAF4/t7hKL7fT4NQ/s400/2009+02+21+048.JPG" border="0" /></a> My Sweetie modeling all her <span style="color:#ffcc00;">"</span><span style="color:#993399;">throws"!!<br /></span><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305819121741924818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaIOYTnnCdI/AAAAAAAAAGo/tL5mi3k9r90/s400/2009+02+21+216.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-79266543632125567032009-02-21T08:35:00.000-08:002009-02-21T09:06:47.934-08:00Do you have one of these "Toastmaster " sandwich makers?Hot Pocket Chocolate Pancakes<br /><br />My family loves these! Just follow directions on any pancake mix. Spray the sandwich maker with cooking spray. Pour about 1/3 cup of pancake batter into the sandwich press. Then drop a few chocolate chips (or blueberries) on top of the batter. Close lid and cook about three minutes. Enjoy!!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaAvW64DJHI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ooeDl1QV3q0/s1600-h/2009+02+21+001+ed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305292431850415218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaAvW64DJHI/AAAAAAAAAFo/ooeDl1QV3q0/s400/2009+02+21+001+ed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305292784838185026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SaAvrd25EEI/AAAAAAAAAFw/H_WIHpxyjQA/s400/2009+02+21+009.JPG" border="0" /></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-80587288294959441062009-02-19T19:56:00.000-08:002009-02-19T20:21:45.685-08:00<em>King cake, parades, beads, moon pies...Mardi Gras</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>King Cakes are a huge part of Mardi Gras traditions throughout the South. The cake's origins date back to the Feast of the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, which honors the three kings present at the Christ child's birth. Today's tradition calls for the person who gets the "lucky" piece of cake with the baby doll inside to throw the next party or buy the next King Cake.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em>This weekend is the big Mardi Gras weekend with many parades in the area. I really need to do some research on why they throw beads at the parades... anyway it's lots of fun!</em><br /><em>In the mean time we will just eat cake,,,King cake!</em><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZ4q35GVk4I/AAAAAAAAAFY/nH_bq682nUE/s1600-h/2009+02+18+017+ed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304724550797595522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZ4q35GVk4I/AAAAAAAAAFY/nH_bq682nUE/s400/2009+02+18+017+ed.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304725305059424434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZ4rjy8XuLI/AAAAAAAAAFg/luHy65NX-Z4/s400/2009+02+18+031.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-73376641699348451942009-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:002009-06-26T10:42:18.430-07:00Valentine's and Birthday DinnerBlogs are inspiring! I took the good china out of the china cabinet and set a beautiful table. I usually decorate for all the holidays, but I have been so inspired more by all the wonderful blog sites I have decovered. The Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe came from Melissa at A Little Loveliness. I have tried several of her recipes and loved them. Thanks for sharing your homes, recipes, and ideas with me.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303241196687142866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZjlxUbBL9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/QWaI9dbXTAE/s400/2009+02+13+004+center+arrange+copy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZhr3KBbU_I/AAAAAAAAAEY/i_TzUI-73pI/s1600-h/2009+02+13+009+ed.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303107156556076018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZhr3KBbU_I/AAAAAAAAAEY/i_TzUI-73pI/s400/2009+02+13+009+ed.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303238388636443170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZjjN3nj4iI/AAAAAAAAAFA/wUy1shVBkoI/s400/DSCN0239+ed.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303239706675776130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZjkalsoCoI/AAAAAAAAAFI/cMXKidd0gFs/s400/DSCN0236+ed.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303237367002291506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZjiSZu_3TI/AAAAAAAAAE4/3dXt9ao6szw/s400/DSCN0235+ed.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303108424443222978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 268px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZhtA9RR28I/AAAAAAAAAEo/EagDx7utum8/s400/2009+02+13+018+ed+chicken+copy.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303108998396143666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 286px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZhtiXaUaDI/AAAAAAAAAEw/G6peu6Nn6zM/s400/2009+02+13+020+ed.jpg" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3702175708884820617.post-33329092381313200572009-02-14T07:06:00.000-08:002009-02-14T07:13:04.854-08:00I Love You Care package...Happy Valentine's Day!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZbfYOkK9XI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/vhIOcpoZTto/s1600-h/Valentine+collage+copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302671218595001714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iBNHeBO-dsU/SZbfYOkK9XI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/vhIOcpoZTto/s400/Valentine+collage+copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Happy Valentine's Day ... My College Girl</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06005346093320526694noreply@blogger.com0