Killie

Last week I took a trip to the other side of the earth:  Perth, Australia.  It was amazing.  But that's a post for another day.  The day after I arrived, I got a phone call at 3 am from my brother, telling me my little dog, Killer, a 13 year old perfectly healthy dachshund was hunched up.  He got better during the day and we decided to wait til Monday for a visit to our regular vet.  The diagnosis was discopondolitis or arthritis - I can't remember exactly.  Meds were involved and Killer improved and was his old self until Wednesday when he had another "attack" - hunching up and not moving, plus lack of appetite.  Another trip to the vet resulted in more steroids and pain killers. 

My business trip involved several presentations and getting to know my co-workers that I support in our Perth office.  I also planned to stop in Sydney for four days of R&R and fly home on Tuesday.  I had booked a nice apartment through Home Away - on top of the Swissotel. Qantas has a route from Dallas (which is 45 minute flight from Houston) to Sydney (16 hours) and 5 hours to Perth.  Throw in a couple hours of downtime and its basically 24 hours.  I decided to cancel the Sydney leg and return home on Saturday. 
 

Anyway, those are just details.  At home (waking in Perth at 3 am and arriving in Houston at 5 pm  the same day!) I found a doggie that was like a stranger - more interested in sniffing my bags than saying hello.  Sunday morning he was his usual self and my heart lept.  But there was a seizure on Sunday and Monday morning, I knew it was time.  We sat in the special room at the vet for  a while - they were super busy so Killer and I  spent some time, first on the table, then walking around then finally he curled up in my lap on a towel and just rested.  This dog was the kindest and fiercest protector but so gentle with kids. He started life with my husband but quickly became "my dog". He loved to swim. Some folks claimed he was a humper. He loved to sleep right up next to you and many nights he pushed me to the edge of the bed.  He was stubborn.  And I still can't believe he's gone. The house feels empty and void of his presence. It's shocking. He was such a protector - even at 11 pounds, he thought he was the killer dog. He wasn't afraid of the Akita next door. I am so glad he had a good life with me and I could hold him when he left. And I cannot wait to see him again on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

 

Pretend Its January

and it didn't take me this long to tell you about the October email I received about French General's Art of Craft event in Los Angeles in January.  I've read about it for four years and in that moment, when I read that three former Silver Bella teachers would be together again, I knew I had to go, so I clicked the BUY NOW button and I booked miles for the airplane fare.  It was such a terrific weekend, I am so so glad I made it.  I left Thursday morning and returned home Monday afternoon.  California was cooler than normal but still gorgeous.  I didn't book my hotel til the very last minute, paid too much but enjoyed my stay at the Embassy Suites in Glendale.  Glendale is a nice little town, with quaint antique stores, a fun outdoor mall and some nice restaurants.  On Thursday afternoon I hung out near the Grove, had a healthy lunch at medocino farms and checked out a few antique stores.  Best one was Liz's Hardware, which was jammed packed but pricey.  Still fun to look around.  I met my cousin, Len for dinner that evening in Glendale.  It was so great to catch up with her and give her a wall hanging like this I made.  She has a wonderful gift of making you feel so loved and understood.

French General Los Angeles, CA

Carla, Julie B, Julie, Connie

Friday morning I checked out some antique stores in Glendale and made a few purchases; a beautiful album from 1882 and some hankies, lunch at Home near French General and our first class started with Charlotte Lyons.  I sat in the back alone until a bevy of girls waltzed in including Julie Baxley from Silver Bella days and her bestie, Carla and two Cali girls, Susan and Sally.  It turned out to be the most fun table in the store - I lucked out!  And the store is everything you dreamed about.  Charlotte's class was a book for stitching and starts with a beautiful blue/white vintage quilt - gosh, it was awesome and I wish I had more of that quilt!  Next came Rebecca Sower with a stitching fabric bracelet.  There were four small rectangles and it was so fun to design within a tiny box - I loved the challenge.  I also purchased another RS journal of gray and peach - it is.so.yummy!  I'm still using my first one by adding notes and receipts from my daily life - I love it.  I should probably stop here - its getting late and I need to start and finish a journal project tonight.  I'll try my best to tell more of the story tomorrow. 

In the meantime, tomorrow will be another day of Lists in 52 Lists by Morea Seal.  I've started mine and cannot wait to make a journal of it.  I'm on week 5.  What a fun project!

And I did catch Downton Abbey fever, a bit late starting in Season 3.  But you can watch Season 1 and 2 (which I did) on Amazon for FREE if you're a Prime member (which is a bargain, btw).  That show just gets into your head and won't leave!  I love it and also looking forward to Masterpiece Classic's Mr. Selfridge March 31st.  I wonder if Laura Linney will introduce it, also?  Does your mind speak with an English accent also?

Chicken & Dumplings

This.is.the.start... of two great meals!  Chicken in the crockpot and if you're lucky like me, you have a neighbor who has rosemary in their garden and she lets you come over and take snips of it, as much as you like!  I learned something new about crockpot cooking from Pinterest, but I lost the original pin.  Put 4 pieces of crumpled up aluminum foil underneath the meat... that simple!  I was skeptical that I would taste foil, but you don't.  I also did it with a pork tenderloin.  Now tis chicken is so juicy, its amazing! 

 

Okay, here we go, start with a whole fryer/roaster - get a large one, salt and pepper it, slice up some onion, throw on some garlic, slice a lemon and tear up some rosemary.  Put some of the onion/lemon/rosemary inside the bird.  And be sure and clean out the chicken really good, (shame on me - I don't save the neck and gizzards, I just toss 'em) cut off the big hunks of fat - there will be plenty enough for the stock.  Don't forget to throw the 4 balls of foil underneath.  Throw a few carrots and potatoes in there, if you're so inclined.  Cook it for 8/10 hours - 6 if you're in a hurry. 

 

Now that's a great meal, with some potatoes (baked or mashed) the carrots can be your veggie.  The chicken is super moist and juicy.  And frankly, I'm not a chicken fan but I like this kind.  For the second meal, pick all the meat off the bones and strain the juice - keep them separate and refrigerate overnight.  The only reason to do this is to let the fat gel and scrape it off. 

 

The new day - skim the fat off the top of the stock.  Melt 2 tbsp of butter and throw 1/4 cup flour on it, stir and let it brown up for a minute or so and then slowly add your stock.  Or you can cheat and use Wondra.  Add another box of chicken stock (32 oz), throw in the chicken meat.  Add 1-2 cups of water and 1-2 cups of half and half.  Slice up a couple of carrots and some celery if you have it.  With all those liquids, you'll need to salt and pepper it all.  Now I'm lazy about dumplings, I use canned biscuits, about 4-5 rolled out and slice in half, then in thirds.  Throw them in all that liquid and let it cook for at least 30- 45 minutes or longer.  Now, enjoy a bowl of it with maybe some cornbread.  I love crockpot cooking and Pinterest!

Sleep 'n Pancakes

While I'm on a roll, I'll share a bit some things.  Nothing too deep, don't worry!  I started about two weeks ago, going to bed at 10 pm and waking at 6 am - in order to get 8 hours of sleep.  I was tired of feeling tired when I woke up each morning and wasting about 2 hours, from 10 - midnight on the computer doing nothing important.  I'm here to tell ya - getting an 8 hour sleep each night is pretty wonderful!  And when I don't stick to the schedule, I definitely feel it in the morning.  I probably miss the mark once a week, but overall I'm proud of myself for taking care of myself.  Simple thing to do and worth it.

 

Second subject.  Well wait, do we need a photo here?  Just to break it up.  Okay, let me go get one.  Here are a bunch of quilts I have.  I need to sell some...  I had a friend say in an email the other day something about her "good intentions" of getting creative with all the things she's buying was getting old!  Do you ever feel that way.  Struck a chord with me.  That's what they should call Pinterest... the land of good intentions.

 

Second subject is breakfast for dinner.  My brother and I have been doing most every Tuesday night for the past couple of months.  At IHOP on Washington/I-10.   Its so fun to have breakfast for dinner - what a treat!

 

And last subject is... travel.  I'm going to London on Friday for work.  Well, I'm going a bit early so I can shop at Portobello Market and Spitalfields Market and a few other places.  At the end of the week I'm jumping on the Eurostar to Paris for two days and one night... Yikes!  I don't speak French and I'm going alone but hopefully I will immerse myself in France and enjoy every moment.  Its going to be a good week!

Oprah's LifeClass

If you haven't seen my FB posts, I was invited by my good friend, Theresa to attend a taping of the Oprah Lifeclass show in Houston at the Hobby Center yesterday. I had tried to win tickets in the lottery myself but to no avail. T was the lucky girl!  Finally, the big day arrived and I was ready! We had tickets for the afternoon taping and Pastor Rick Warren, of The Purpose-Driven Life was the guest. There was a 2 page list of instructions for attending which included wearing bright colors, eating a big lunch and don't be late! We had a nice lunch at the original Irma's on Chenevert. 

I bought a new green ombre shirt that has a hint of sparkle in it!

We arrived early and there were lots of preparations on the set.  A guy cleaned that desk top twice!

 

My friend, Theresa.  We were in Mezzanine, one floor up and no cameras. 

Here's Oprah when she first comes out.  Very gracious.  They taped two shows that will air in January.  They referred to Rick Warren's 10th anniversary edition of his book,which will be coming out in January. 

 

The conversation between Rick Warren and Oprah was very relaxed and fluid.  Both shows went very smoothly, no retakes.  I don't know if they rehearsed everything but it is exactly like what you see on TV.  During each break, she'd tell Dean (the stage director - in the bottom left photo below) - Let's keep going, Dean. 

During the class Oprah would take notes and they would show them on the screen above.  It was interesting to see her handwriting.  During the breaks, she would keep discussing the issues.  Only once did the makeup people come out.

At the end, Oprah thanked Houston for it's Southern Hospitality.  She explained she couldn't do pictures with one person, she did visit with the front row and particularly this one girl - she talked to her for probably a full 8 minutes.  I think it was a girl who told her story about feeling less than/hating her appearance.  It was pretty amazing because she spent a long time talking to her.  Someone else asked for her shoes and she said no - that they actually fit and felt good!  She still kicks them off when she's at the desk.

A full crowd.  If a seat was empty - they brought in a filler.  Comcast was given a whole slew of tickets, I guess they'll be promoting OWN.

And then a final good bye, leaving the stage with her security man, Rick Warren and Dean behind them.  See all the bright colors - everyone was dressed to the nines!

It was a fun experience, so glad I got to go.  While they had some rigid rules in the two page instructions, they were very relaxed at the theatre.  It was touching at times to be there - inspiration stuff.  The show runs so smoothly, which of course, after 25 years of doing it, but I was still surprised - it is just like you see it on TV.  Thank you, Theresa for inviting me!  It was a bucket list item for me.

 

Warrenton Finds

I owe you a few pictures of the goodies from Warrenton. It always takes me a while to do that because you have to get good light, set it up, take the pics, edit the pics and then yes, finally post the pics.

These are the linen tableclothes I found.  They will make good fabric for angels or pages.  Or maybe one day I'll get around to make a handkerchief pocket holder... one day.

 

Here's my bisque doll that was $25.  They had 3 for sale at Cole's for $320.

These are little insulator bulb things (Sandy said they're fuses)... I think  they will make good feet for a box.  And I love red and blue so I picked up the hankie.

Do you even know what this is?  First thing I thought was an angel doll body.  Of course.  Its also the agitator for a washer... With a coat of white paint you won't know the diff.

I saved 2 of the yardsticks for myself - nice thick ones.  And it said Dutch Boy, so I had to keep it.  Isn't the card catalog exquisite with the dove tails.  It was $32.  I know, right.

I've been cooking like a fool on the weekends.  Last weekend I made Cream of Cilantro soup on Saturday and Sunday I put another whole chicken in the crock pot with rosemary and lemon.  Then I picked it, threw in a little cream and dumplings and we had chicken and dumplings.  Really, really good and so flavorful.  I'm telling you - throw a chicken in the crockpot, ball up some foil and place it in the bottom, add some carrots, season up the chicken and add some rosemary inside and on top and lemon and you will thank me.  Promise.

EDITED TO ADD:  Yes, the foil keeps it out of the juices, so that it "steams".  Learned it from Pinterest here!  It is super moist.

It's a big week here.  Oprah is coming to town Friday and I get to be in the audience on Friday afternoon at Hobby Center.  She's taping her show, LifeClass.  I am beyond thrilled.  I'll let you know how it goes.



Warrenton in the Fall-ish

It's time for Round Top again.  I live about 1.5 hours away, so its an easy day trip.  I took the day off of work on Thursday and took along my camera; here are a few shots.

 

I loved these scuffy little red boots, but not at $85.

 

 Lots and lots of flower frogs - saw them everywhere.

 



I actually go to Warrenton, through Bellville - such a peaceful drive and a good breakfast at Newman's Bakery.  First time ever, I stopped at Nothing Ordinary and didn't buy anything.  When I saw this pink Maytag, I thought of Lori Bunda Wilson in Calgary, who was kind enough to show me her shop.  And Cindy Vratil - I know they both would love this.  Wouldn't it be a fun drink cooler for parties.

I bought a bunch of yardsticks and promptly sold them to this girl.  Look at the legs - she needs plenty.  Loved her creativity.  She's from Granbury, TX. I want some piano keys.

This booth, Johnny and June was just setting up but I loved the antler dress form. 

I love old doors, maybe I'll take a ride over to ReStore tomorrow...

Plenty of linens and lace all over the place.  Click on it - I love how they're just up in your face!

 

 

It was blazing hot, 91 degrees, even though I arrived at 10, but 12:30 I decided it wasn't fun anymore so I headed inside to Cole's.  It was nice, not so crowded.  I scored two beautiful white tableclothes, I'll show pics tomorrow in a booth right outside of Cole's (to the left).  She sort of screamed at me when I asked for the price... first she said $50, then she corrected herself to $15.  ITS A FLAT PRICE FOR ANY ONE - she shouted.  It was sort of comical.  I decided I needed two. 

 

And I'll take a photo in the daylight of a gorgeous card catalog I snagged - $32. Gorgeous oak, one wide drawer and a beautiful Globe Wernicke label. I saw many spool cabinets and one special round oak spinner with fabulous handles on each draw - probably 80 drawers. $2750. But worth every penny. Why didn't I take a photo - maybe it was just too painful to walk away - no remembrances.

I have to share one more photo, okay maybe two.  Isn't this light fixture awesome - great green/yellow hues.

 

And my dogs just don't like their photos being taken.  Here's Grace, before she went to the beauty shop...If that ain't the evil eye!

 

Sorry, Junior was crying for equal time... so, there!