Fireplace, Creativity and Hot Beverages

Please forgive me- I've been on a holiday of sorts. Employment and a family loss means less blog posts. I'll work more diligently to maintain posting through the holidays.

I've just made a trip to the craft store, and returned with 4 new projects I'll be posting later. My darling niece will receive another bishop dress, this one is " Sugar and Spice". She'll also have a bubblegum pink scarf to match her coat. Her brother gets a blue scarf, and my nephew has given his request for a larger hat " with ears".  He chose a homespun navy yarn. I expect it will be very handsome!

While on my holiday, I had an interesting conversation about flavored coffee recipes, you know  the ones in the rectangular cans everyone loves but hates the price tag. I love those in the winter, and sometimes adding a package of hot chocolate to a cup of coffee just doesn't do it.

While I know there are several versions posted online, I've had this list for more than 10 years, and have tried every recipe repeatedly. These make great gifts jarred or bagged with a lovely decoration. They're versatile enough to use for any occasion, and my favorite is curled up in front of my fireplace with my family around me.

They're easy enough to combine in a blender or food processor, and if you prefer to have a lower calorie option, simply replace the sugar with your favorite yellow, green, or blue bag.

BAVARIAN MINT2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
1 Rounded tsp. loose, dried mint leaves
2/3 c. non-dairy creamer

SWISS MOCHA1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
2 c. nonfat dry milk
4 tsp. cocoa powder

CAFE L’ORANGE
2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Sugar
Dried crushed orange peel
¼ tsp. Cinnamon

CAFE VIENNA MIX
1 c. Sugar
2 tsp. Cinnamon
1  c. Non-dairy Creamer
1  c. Nonfat dry milk
4 Tbsp. Cocoa
1 c. Instant coffee

CAFE MOCHA2/3 c. Instant Coffee
3 Tbsp. Unsweetened Cocoa
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 c. Non-dairy Creamer
¼ c. Nonfat dry milk

CAFE AU LAIT MIX
One 11-oz jar Non-Dairy Creamer
½ c. Packed Brown Sugar
½ c. Instant Coffee crystals
Dash of Salt
(Use ¼ c. mix to 2/3 c. hot water)

CINNAMON ‘N SPICE2/3 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
½ tsp. Cinnamon
½ tsp. Nutmeg
½ tsp. Allspice

CAFE VIENNA
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 1/3 c. Sugar
1 1/3 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Cinnamon

TOFFEE COFFEE
1 c. Instant Coffee
1 c. Non-Dairy Creamer
1 c. Brown Sugar

ITALIAN MOCHA ESPRESSO
½ c. Instant Coffee
½ c. Sugar
2 ¼ c. Cocoa Powder

CAFE ORANGE CAPPUCCINO1 c. Instant Coffee
1 ½ c. Sugar
2 c. Nonfat Dry Milk
1 tsp. Dry Orange Peel

RUSSIAN TEA1 c. Instant Tea
1 9 oz. Jar Tang
1 3-oz pkg. pre-sweetened Lemonade
½ tsp. Ground Cloves ( I prefer 2 tsp of cinnamon to the ground cloves!) 
1 tsp. Cinnamon
Mixing Directions for Russian Tea: Mix ingredients together. Makes a little over one pint dry mix. To serve, use 2 tsp. in 1 cup of boiling water.

Enjoy!!

Chasing Waterfalls

This week some of the young adults from church invited nephew and me  on a waterfall hunt, with a return bonfire at the Compound ( otherwise known as our backyard). We were thrilled to go. I have wanted to explore this area of the state for a while, and couldn't wait until they arrived.  It was a perfect day, warm enough to brave the cool waters, and cool enough to enjoy the car ride. Armed with a few backpacks, swimsuits, and a good deal of bottled water, we started our mission.

Our first stop proved an easy enough hike from the parking area- literally a few steps! We happily donned water shoes and headed towards the babbling creek bed and moss covered rocks. We had a few slips and slides here and there, but reached the top of the falls safely. One at a time, we found our way down thanks to a knotted rope, and slid the last 10 feet into the pool below, gasping in shock as we hit the 60 degree water.

The priest's son was the first one to find the best slide on the waterfall, and then to challenge the whole group follow suite. My nephew was the second to try out the new-found thrill. Cliff jumping and more challenges followed, but never too far fetched to be ridiculous.  I enjoyed my view perched on a rock on one side of the fall, wishing my aging body was able to perform the feats I observed.

Kinlock Falls- The rope on the right of the picture was our gateway- the 'cliffs' are just out of the photo on the left

Rain started falling, and we decided to move to another spot. Most everyone was able to climb back up the waterfall, but with me not being able to move as I once had, I fell. Nothing serious, just enough to scrape my knuckles and knees.Not to worry, we found another, much easier way out.  We made it back to the van and headed on. Reading the directions repeatedly, we started  looking for the mysterious gate at the head of the next trail. Finally spotting the elusive entrance, we started down the trail. After walking 10 minutes down a not-so-slight decline, we found the waterfall, and started looking for the trail down. 2 other hikers/campers pointed us to the steep descent, and we were in for a surprise.

Breathtaking! Caney Creek Falls. Someone had drawn a cross on one of the rocks- of course one of our group "fixed" it - to a 3 bar cross.

 The next challenge I heard was " Everyone take a shower!" Just out of the picture on the right is a rock that juts perfectly into the pool, giving an ethereal view of this spectacular creation. Taking care of my scuffed knuckles and wounded pride, I decided to sit on the rock and watch everyone else swim for a while. I was greatly rewarded as I observed God's creation. How I have missed sights like this!

We knew there was another fall about a 30 minute hike downstream. We packed up and headed out. The trail hadn't been used heavily, and we had a great time finding the snaking path at times. It was so close to the creek at times we felt we might fall in.  30 minutes of hiking proved fruitless, and we continued another 10 minutes, justifying it by saying we were slow hikers... or translation... I was a slow hiker! ( I just need practice!)

Again, our patience was rewarded when we came to the top of the falls. I  lagged behind a bit, and after the hike down didn't feel I could persuade my failing body ( it wasn't that bad..) to climb down the branches leaning against the rock giving access to the pool. ( The branch is on the right side of the photo, against the rocks). This is the view I couldn't see....

Lower Caney Creek Falls

The kids had a wonderful time playing, but since there wasn't a great place to jump off, we didn't stay long, and considering the time, we decided we needed to begin the 2 hour trek back to The Compound. 

After a quick hot dog and hamburger dinner, the finishing touch was a bonfire in our backyard. I think it was a lovely day. Unfortunately, due to all his swimming this week, nephew wound up with an ear infection, poor thing! He'll heal- I think he had the most fun of us all! 

Thanks to the Big Kids who invited us along. Can't wait to do it again!

A funny thing happened in the grocery line...

Almost since I can remember, I've known sign language. Ok, so since 1981, I've known sign language. I was always interested, and my second grade Sunday School teacher also taught at the School for the Deaf. She would teach us signs from time to time, and made sure we knew the sign alphabet. We sang " Jesus Loves Me" both in English and Sign in our cherub choir. It wasn't long into the school year when she brought a friend with her. I remember clearly her speaking and signing at the same time. " This is J.... He's one of my students, and he's deaf. If you want to talk with J, you have to learn the signs to speak with him." We all knew the sign for " Hi" and he introduced himself showing us his name sign. (Most, if not all, deaf people adopt a name sign which is usually a combination of one of their traits or something they like to do, combined with the first letter of their first name.) J gave us all name signs, with the help of his mentor. That was the beginning of a very long relationship with J, and a wonderful journey learning Sign Language.

Through college, I continued taking classes, and spent time with my friends majoring in ( at that time) deaf education and speech development. We even declared " Deaf days" so we could practice, and understand more fully how the deaf world worked.  I started working at the Disney Store, and used my skills more every day. It seems the word spread around the community that there was a person who knew Sign language working at the store.

Since then, I haven't had anyone to talk with, in Sign, that is. Until this week. I was in line at the grocery store, and noticed the cashier pointing, shaking her head, and looking for something to write with. I looked at the lady in front of me, and was surprised to see she was ... signing! Her husband left and later came back. I asked her if I could interpret for her, and she said no, she understood what the cashier was saying. After introductions, her husband returned with his purchase, and she signed to him " she signs". He turned around, and introduced himself. I didn't realize I remembered so much! We talked for 10 minutes, exchanging information, and me helping them finish their transaction.

I was amazed at my communication abilities, and very pleased I'd made new friends. I went home thrilled. I've been more than happy with that experience since then. Maybe, just maybe, all that time I spent learning another language won't go to waste! I can't wait to see my new friends again!

Catching Up

Whew! This has been an interesting semester. I've finished my first year of Russian, and while I've made great progress, I realize there's SO much more I don't know. The 3 years of Spanish and year of French have been a hindrance, but we're working through it. Sign language, of course, doesn't help me study either! But, the good news is it's over. The bad news is.... I made an A... Again! Do you know what that would do to my poor gpa if I were taking this class for credit? ... oh well. Maybe next year I'll decide to do it for credit, I can see those little numbers skyrocketing if I do! 

No word on the job front yet, but lots of sewing going on. 6 baptismal robes, a redecorated house, and a few smocked dresses with bows and socks to match.   Several weeks ago, I was asked to make an emergency gift. She wanted something nice to give to a couple who had nothing, and didn't want much. I looked through the sewing room to see what I had available. I wanted something easy to finish, since I only had a few days to complete and deliver this gift- 4 of them, to be exact. As grace would have it, I found some edged eyelet ( the kind with the lace on the edge) and played with the pleater to see if I could prepare it for smocking. It worked! ( I had a backup plan, but I didn't want to use that if I didn't have to). I cut the sleeves, dresses and bonnet out, then the slip, and commenced the rapid fire creation. What a wonderful thing! I almost couldn't give it away! ... See for yourself! 

I didn't get a good picture before delivering,  so we took some photos in the classrooms. 

Soo Sweet! And it's my first bonnet! 

White rayon smocking with a white satin ribbon through the bottom. The sleeves also had satin ribbon around, instead of elastic. 

I know they're not great pictures; hopefully I can catch the recipient in them at some point. I know they loved the dress when they saw it. Oh, yes, the slip had the same satin ribbon trim. No way you could not know it was all a set! 

After that, I was surprised to have several people ask me for Pascha Basket covers. I finished no fewer than 8 this season! I'll add photos as soon as I download them. 

The re-decorated room is in teal and yellow.Yes, I cringed when I heard it for the first time too, but the decorator inside me found just the right shades to accent her already mediteranean feel. We put a green/teal chenielle swag across door knobs above the windows, added swing rods and bright white embroidered sheers. Then we took the same chenielle, and mixed it with yellow decorator fabrics to create pillows, recover   upholstery and make tapestry artwork. 

The owner decided she liked trim. We bought TONS of trim, and then looked at each other wondering " What are we going to do with all this trim!?" I knew exactly what we were going to do. Unfortunately we were too excited and having way too much fun to take before pictures, but, it's amazing what a little trim will do to a lamp shade, pillows, upholstered benches, and antique factory wooden spools. You may not find these ideas on any design website, but in her house, it looks fantastic. We agreed it was the " Subdued whimsey" she wanted. I have several pieces to finish for her, but in time, I'll post photos. We might just go into business!

Other than that, we're having a fun time with the pool, or we would if the weather would cooperate. Who ever heard of the deep south having 60 degree highs in the middle of May? Next thing I know, we'll have snow in June! Won't that just take the cake?!  

I'm headed out of town first with my nephew to visit Ivy Green with my nephew. Due to the horrible weather the end of last month, this is the re-scheduled trip. I'm excited! My parents and grandparents loved to travel, and while I've seen a great many of the historic sites through the southeast, and even the US, I've not been there, and to experience it with my nephew- even better!  Then I'm going with my mother, meeting my family for my cousin's wedding this weekend. That should prove to be an interesting trip. It's the second time in a year that I'll visit my grandmother's without her. It is bittersweet, as I love to walk through her yard and admire her flowers. I hope they're still in great shape. 

May 4

5/4

3

Today, 3 years ago I married my best friend, love of my life, knight in shining armor, pillar of strength, best critic,  and favorite comic. 

We've had great times, and not so great times, challenges and wonderful days.We can now say we've lived through snowstorms, tornadoes, days by the pool and days wishing we had the pool.  

The best thing, life gets better every day! I can't wait to find out what's next!

Happy Anniversary !

The Periwinkle Wedding

I was completely shocked and honored when I was asked to be a sponsor/matron of honor for a friend at church. This would be my first wedding where I hadn't been the bride, or an obligatory participant as with my sister's wedding. We started discussing her ideas for the wedding, styles, colors, ideas. She had settled on a very winter-esque wedding- ivory, silver and periwinkle.

Periwinkle is a very lovely, and difficult color, especially when attempting to coordinate it for a wedding. Right now, it's not a very popular wedding color, which made my task even more difficult. None of the bridal shops carried anything periwinkle, or even close. The nearest color to the delicate purple/blue was a pink-purple they called " Lilac" So, we went another direction to provide dresses and accents for her wedding- the fabric store.

I shopped through the 4 local stores, hoping to find something acceptable. Finally, we managed to find the  color in a custom dyed collection of lace, sheers, satin and gabardine. We decided on the design, purchased the required materials and headed home with 2 months to make dresses, sashes, wraps and linings for baskets. She found 2 daughter's dresses at the bridal shop, which left only 2 dresses. What a relief!

I managed her oldest daughter's dress with ease, and she seemed very pleased with the outcome. My dress, however was another challenge. Through all the years I've sewn, I have yet to figure out how to fit my own garments. I realized I had to have help. So, with a great deal of packing, measuring,transporting and discussion, my wonderful mother helped me fit the top. The skirt worked itself out, and hung perfectly.

The Bride and I had also discussed her flowers. Having experienced an expensive florist and having access to wholesale flowers, I couldn't bear to have her make the same mistake I'd made for my wedding. I still shudder at the mistakenly placed bright "hot pink" carnations in my romantic english garden esque arrangements. We went to the wholesale shop and selected the flowers and accents, planned the arrangements and made notes to order 2 weeks before the wedding. We didn't need many flowers, but they were adequate.

The ceremony handout

The weekend of the wedding arrived, and we started the compilation. The dresses fit beautifully, sashes and wraps were tested and received approvals. Shoes were compared and eliminated, and we went to retrieve our floral order. Almost everything had come in except ....our periwinkle colored flowers. The gentleman assisting us had great ideas for replacing those flowers, and we wound up with a better bouquet than we'd originally created. We trekked back to the church with our fragrant load, and then, I received the best news I could have received.

" Did you know the groom's godmother is a professional florist? She's offered to do the flowers."

The Altar table, with beautiful flowers, candles and crowns

Someone could have told me they'd given me a million dollars, and it not have meant so much to me. We were set! I explained our thoughts, laid out our supplies, and off she went. Before the hour was up, she had arranged the bride's bouquet. Those ivory flowers, silver leaves, and rhinestones became the most beautiful arrangement of bridal elegance I'd seen- I think it rivaled the arrangements in the couture bridal photos.

Her flowers- they had rhinestones that captured the candlelight beautifully.

Not long afterwards, the bridesmaids arrangements, corsages, and table arrangements were completed in sparkling elegance. With that the last thing to complete, the winter wedding was well on it's way to being successful.

We're all ready! Her girls were gorgeous! She was breathtaking. Beautiful wedding!

Wedding day was a fury of excitement and herding the bride and her 3 girls into hair, makeup, and nails. We commandeered a Sunday school classroom, set up stations, and began the rounds. The result, a great big giggly girl party with the photographers hovering, nails drying and hairpins flying. Needless to say, we had a great time!

The girls hair was all similar. Gorgeous! 

Pre-wedding photos began, and 20 minutes before the wedding, the bride says " I don't have my toes painted!" So what were we to do? Yes, 10 minutes before the ceremony, we painted her toenails. What a hoot!!

yes, really we painted toenails moments before walking to the church!

Our Periwinkle Party

The wedding went off without a hitch, unless you count the missing cufflinks- later found under the seat of the car. We had some extra buttons from the flower arrangements, and a creative godmother that came to the rescue.

The Bride and Groom on their trip around the Gospel

Father's Blessing

.

Briday Party left to right, Sophia, Susanna, Julianna, Paul Constantine, Rosy
Front- Adrianna, Victoria

On to the reception- we had such fun! The bride had chosen a wonderful, mostly vegetarian buffet with greek chicken. Her cake was lovely, and looked very much like her dress, and cheesecake was laid out on marble slabs. Earlier, we had ordered custom m&m's with their name and date, and put them in sheer ivory bags. They were a hit!

Bride's cake

The groom's cake was cheesecake- it didn't last long! We decorated one of his award trucks. Too Cute!

Her daughter and I decided she should throw my bouquet, so she wouldn't knock someone out with hers.(That thing was heavy!) And who should catch the bouquet? her daughter of course! Such a sweet moment.

So, a few weeks after the wedding, Im taking the last of the periwinkle fabric and making a wedding pillow for them. I'll embroider their names and dates on ivory in periwinkle, of course, and fashion them into a cathedral window quilt style pillow. I hope it comes out as well as I'm hoping.

Mr. and Dr. Morrison

And next time, we'll know where to find periwinkle!

Presenting the St. Symeon Choir

O Holy Father Symeon, intercede to Christ our God


Here it is. The long-awaited clips from the St Symeon CD- Fire and Light.

One thing to say...

A friend of mine posted this. Thanks to her extraordinary description. I'll let the image say the rest.

Ice is melting, temps in the 40's are coming along with spring, according to the daffodils in my front yard. I'm wishing I could feed them fertilizer, if it would bring spring a little faster. The kids are finally back to school on a regular basis, and the periwinkle dresses need the buttons on them and they're ready to go. Good thing, since we're within the 72 hour countdown for the wedding!

Winter Wonderland?

I live in the south for several reasons. Southern hospitality, grits and really good ginger ale, nice warm summers, and not too cold winters. If it snows, it's in strange times, like March, or April when it will melt soon enough.

Until this year.

I've always heard the songs about a white Christmas, and had never seen them down here. There had been plenty at my grandmother's house in Ohio, but none here since 1963. Christmas was the day you got to ride your new bike, sometimes in shorts and a t shirt, unless it was raining. Christmas Day was the day to be outside with the new outside toys.

This year, the kids, young and old, had a special treat. When we left for church, there were a few flakes falling; nothing too impressive, and in fact, you could have missed them if you hadn't been looking. But after church, we heard squeals of delight from the younger ones, and comments of amazement from the older.

Snow at Christmas- who would have thought.... Certainly not this sweet innocent southern girl!

You know, the weatherman calling to check on you personally isn't a good sign.

Jack Frost started nipping at our noses

 After Divine Liturgy, again, I'm met with the hurried, and almost frantic comments making sure my plans included being at home before the bad weather hits. I'm not sure who was more concerned- my parents or the weatherman! Nevertheless, I was home by the appointed time, and watched the first drops of rain roll in.

Mother Nature turned the tables on us. 

Just rain. I listened to the resident naysayer comment repeatedly " It wont' do anything", and the argument that followed between my nephew and husband " I won't have school tomorrow!"  " Yes, you will"  " No, I won't"  " Yes, you will"  " No, I won't"

Old Man Winter blew in.


I opened the front door, and heard the telltale, almost metallic sound of sleet-like pellets... I knew what was coming  and added my two cents in " no, he won't- it's icing"  Then the argument changed to " It won't stick" ..
I've been down this road. April of 1993 to be precise. It stuck... OH BOY did it stick!

Frosty found his hat and started dancing in the front yard.

Contrary to my family's urgent pleas, it stuck. My nephew cheered, my husband groaned, and I emailed my storm spotter information to the weatherman. 2 inches of ice and snow had accumulated on our driveway by 7 pm. The next morning, it was more, but it had already compacted to 3 inches.

Unfortunately, nephew wasn't feeling well. When I brought in a handful of the wintery mix, he rolled over uninterested. It's amazing how a good night's sleep combined with the bright reflection of an unusually white ground can change someone's mind. He found his way out into the snow and ice, along with Liberty.

Liberty was another problem all his own. He didn't want to go outside, after he felt the ice for the first time, Poor thing couldn't even find his food bowl in the morning. He stayed in the garage looking at nephew like he was crazy! After 3 days of snow, he has learned to slide down the hill on his back, much to Nephew's sheer delight.

We weren't without some beautiful sites. We have pictures posted here . One of my favorite pictures made our house look very Narnian.

Our Lamp Post, near the city of War Drobe in the country of Spare Oom.... otherwise known as "The Compound"

So with that, we dig out of  "Blizzard 2011" and head on to other things, like a periwinkle wedding this Sunday. Hopefully, I'll have pictures to post soon!

And after the 12th day of Christmas...

The house is headed towards clean. The Christmas tree is bare, and still in the living room. The stockings and ornaments are all put away for next year, and the Christmas fabric has been re-labeled with new intentions.

Just in time for Theophany and Old Calendar Christmas.

So, as promised, here's a picture of the " Bishop bishop" with it's proud owner and her brand new bright red bow. I think she's a precious little gem, but then, I'm biased!

She loves her "princess dress and beautiful bow", and anything else I make for her!

My mom told me one of her friends mentioned I should go into business. I chuckled.

My wonderful hubby also schemed with my family and provided a treasured Christmas Gift.

Click here to see the wonderful gift! 

And, of course, the church CD. I'm surprised- we've gone through 100 cd's already! What a blessing to have such music in the car, on my laptop, and soon, on Ancient Faith Radio! We're working diligently with Concilliar press to make that happen. So, should you want to hear sound bytes- hang on a few days. I'm sure you'll have something soon!! Until then, if you would like a copy, feel free to contact St Symeon the New Theologian.

So, with the New Year in full swing, I look forward to my grandmother's 80th birthday party, and my dear friend's wedding. I'll finish sewing everything for her this weekend, and hopefully have pictures soon. Prayerfully, I'll have news on the job front soon, unless I have enough sewing requests to sustain us for some time.