Friday, October 26, 2012

The Quilt

Several years ago I pieced a simple nine patch quilt top. I enjoyed stitching the pieces into squares by hand. The squares were then stitched together making the quilt top. My mother-in-law has a quilt frame and agreed to do the quilting.

 
Grandmother Burford always had a quilt in the frame when I was growing up. Her creations were amazing. I think she would be pleased with this quilt top.

 
The backing fabric has a simple pattern. I like to turn the quilt back so that the reverse side is visible.
 
 
My mother-in-law's quilting is visible in this photograph. 
 
 

 This is the back of the quilt showing the quilting details.
I think it is called "stitching in the ditch".
 
 
I enjoyed the warmth of my new quilt last night.
A special thank you to my 92 year old mother-in-law for finishing my quilt.
 
♥andPeace,Myra 


Sunday, October 21, 2012

A Wedding at Cedarwood Plantation, Nashville, TN

This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a family wedding in Nashville, Tennessee at Cedarwood Plantation.

Cedarwood
 

The lovely old home welcomes guests.
I arrived early and had plenty of time to walk about and take photographs.
 


Guests enjoyed walking around the property.
 
Wrapping up the photo shoot.
 
 
 
Ready for the Ceremony
 
The reception was in the "barn".
 
Ready for the celebration.
 
 
 
Tables ready for dining.
Outside and Inside.
 
Dinner and Dancing.
 
 
The cake was delicious. Several flavors to choose from.
 
Candles added to the romance after sunset.
 
 
 
 
Introduction of the Couple.
 
A beautiful fall wedding at Cedarwood.
Best wishes to the bride and groom as they begin the next chapter of their Journey.
 
 
 

♥andPeace,Myra



Saturday, October 13, 2012

My Summer Project

One morning in March my very old washing machine decided to malfunction. By the time I noticed that the water had not shut off, after filling the tank, most of the floors in my house were flooded.


We called the insurance company. They sent out one of those fire and flood companies. They began ripping up the carpet and tearing out baseboards in the great room, master bathroom and master bedroom. The laminate in the dining room was also ruined.
 
We had eight of these huge noisy fans and a giant humidifier that ran nonstop for three days. A couple in the MB ran for five days.
 
 
We attempted to find someone local to do the work. After a couple of weeks we gave up and went with the flooring company the insurance company suggested. I don't like carpet so I decided now was the time to change over to tile.

We lived like this for weeks before the work even started. Here you can see where we had tile, carpet and laminate all running together, chopping up the spaces.

The laminate in the dining room and foyer was glued down and had to be removed with a hammer and crowbar. This took days to clear.

The contractor told me the tile could be laid in about four days. After twelve days we called the contractor and told him NOT to send the workers back. The work was sloppy. Tempers were getting really bad. I was a nervous wreck! 
 
We left on a trip that had been scheduled earlier. The contractor had assured me that the work would be done before that date.
 
When we returned from our trip the contractor sent a new worker to finish up the tile and baseboards. The painter finished his work in just one day. FINALLY the work was done. The entire house was filthy and had to be cleaned.
 
I like the wood look with the easy care of tile.
It transitions well with the kitchen tile.
 
The work could have gone better but it is finally over. All the carpet is gone except in the two bedrooms where there was no damage. I think the added expense was definitely worth it.
 
♥andPeace,Myra

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Perfect Apple Pie

It is that time of year again. The apples are ripe and falling from the trees. A neighbor shared his harvest with us so I decided to make an apple pie.

In 1968 my Grandmother Burford gave me the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook for Christmas.
The cookbook spent time packed away in a trunk. It moved with me from location to location, from school to various jobs, from one apartment to another.
When I finally settled down it became my "go to" cookbook. One of my favorite recipes is for Perfect Apple Pie, on page 238 of the 1968 edition.

Perfect Apple Pie
6-8 tart apples, pared, cored, and thinly sliced (6 cups)
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
Pastry for 2-crust 9-inch pie
2 tablespoons butter
Oven 400 degrees
 
If apples lack tartness, sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
 Combine sugar, flour, spices, and dash salt; mix with apples.
 
Line 9-inch pie plate with pastry.
Fill with apple mixture; dot with butter.
Adjust top crust, cutting slits for escape of steam; seal.
Sprinkle with sugar.
 
Bake at 400 degrees for 50 minutes or till done.





Hot From the Oven
 

 Each time I pull out the old BHG Cookbook I feel like I am spending time with Grandmother. She passed away in 1985.
 
This piece is for Grandmother B.
I know she would approve.
 

andPeace,Myra

Thursday, October 4, 2012

BJ's Market Cafe at the Farmer's Market

On the way home last week, from another quick trip to Little Rock, we stopped at BJ's Market Cafe in North Little Rock.
 
For a home cooked Southern meal BJ's can't be beat. There are daily specials and homemade pies.
 

I chose the chicken pot pie, cucumber salad and pinto beans served with hot rolls and butter. I was not disappointed.
 
Fall was evident in the market.
 

The mums and pansies were hard to resist.
 

In the summer the market is bustling with activity.
 
♥andPeace,Myra

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Autumn Leaves

While reading one of my favorite blogs this morning I came across this quote.

"Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." Elizabeth Lawrence

As we go about our busy lives some things are worth slowing down to take note of and I believe the change of seasons is one of them.

Since fall has just begun I looked through my old photographs and found several I would like to share with you.

"The Pig Trail"
 
Memories of Football Weekends
 
 
Old Cemetery - Fayetteville, AR
 
Maple
 
Sumac on the Farm

Sweet Gum - Farm Pond
 
Cousin's Back Yard
 
There is a new masterpiece in the making. Slow down and take note! These photos were all taken in Arkansas. Find the beauty wherever you are.
 
♥andPeace,Myra