Finally.... Something to Blog About!

Over the summer, I've been a little bothered that I had so many scraps left over from projects and/or fabric that I had purchased because I liked it, yet had no purpose. So, I decided to make a scrap quilt. I've been working on sewing the 9 square blocks for several weeks, but yesterday, I went to the fabric store - Elaine's Quilt Block - and became inspired!!!

I found fabric for the back and it was only $2.00 a yard. (This price is RARELY seen at any quilt store and it was 4 7/8 (I need five yards and figured it was close enough!) I also found another print that will work well for the border around my 9 square blocks - but because I didn't have a sample of the blocks with me, I decided to wait and purchase it. Mike and I drove over there this afternoon and purchased the fabric. Yea!

The plaid fabric will be the backing, the red, white and blue circles fabric will be the border around the 9 square blocks, and of course, the blocks - made from my fabric scraps... Ooohhh, I should say 'STASH'. That's the correct quilter terminology. We never have scraps, just a stash of fabric!

I am really hoping that I finish the quilt top this weekend so that I can take it to Brenda/Bethany. One of them will quilt it for me! P.S. They do great work!

Mike was asking me today, "Who are you making this quilt for?" Honestly, I have no idea. I just liked the pattern! So, when the finished product is complete, I'll post it and maybe I'll give it to the first individual who asks! (Okay, I'm not sure about that, but we'll see!)

I'm Exhausted!

Yesterday was a busy day... I drove to Ogden to do some work on a property, drive around the rest of them, and then go to court to obtain a judgement from one of our former tenants. One of homes - the 'Sunset' home - looked better than it ever has. I am so grateful for tenants who take care of the home. (By the way, if you know of anyone who needs to purchase a home for around $130,000 in the North Davis area, we have this Sunset home on the market!)

The courtroom experience was very interesting! I've not watched a lot of TV courtroom shows, but my friend, Lisa D'Anelda, who went up with me said that this judge was like 'Judge Judy'. Pretty gruff and grumpy! (Oh, I hope he doesn't read this blog!)

The irony of the entire experience was that last week, I decided to watch Judge Alex one day. I probably watched about 15 minutes. It was a case where a landlord was trying to obtain rents due them. The defendent stated that they didn't need to pay the rent because the contract was with someone else. The judge then asked that defendent if they had lived in the place and the response was, "Yes". Judge Alex ruled in the landlord's favor! Well, this is EXACTLY what our former tenants said. As soon as she said it I had 'de ja vu' and knew that the outcome was favorable for us. (Actually we have to go back on Sept 4th to get the results!) Luckily, I was prepared with all of my documentation and provided it to the judge.

The rest of the day was filled with Relief Society Pres. Mtg, visits and then my monthly one-on-one (I know this is the 'world' terminology) with Bishop Hall. We had a great presidency meeting and I feel like we are now moving forward in the right direction again. (I've had a couple of months of wondering what our next step was!) Thank heaven's for the inspiration of the spirit!

I'm off to lunch with Deeann Reynolds and then I'm going NOTHING the rest of the day! Yea!!!

Blogging Blahs...

I think I've been going through the Blogging Blahs... Does this mean Mike and I lead a boring life? I hope not! I think it hasn't been too exciting lately. The good news, I'm finally off 'vacation' from Relief Society. Today, I started getting back into the swing of things and realized we had about 15 sisters that we need to visit. At least 10 have moved in in the last three weeks... As of today, the RS Presidency is officially rededicating ourselves to our callings.

I've been reading a lot of books lately... Check out goodreads for info!

Etsy Sale!

I sold another item on Etsy. The sales are so random. This time, it was the American Flag. I immediately called Brenda because she is the one who quilts for me and who originally hooked me up with the site. Mike doesn't even know because he left for work just before I went out on my email. Oh well, I'll share the good news with him in the morning!!! Goodnight!

Garden Delight!

The other day I was given green beans and a zucchini from a garden. Coupled with a few things from our garden, namely vidaldi onions and fresh parsley, I went looking for a recipe. Last evening, I made the BEST SOUP! (I can't believe I'm blogging about this!) Even Mike, who doesn't much care for vegetables, unless they are 'casseroled' liked it!

(Okay, the photo doesn't do it justice, but the taste was delicious!)

Recipe - Green Bean, Zucchini and Potatoe Stew (Greeks call it Fassolakia Iadera)

1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed, halved crosswise
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
8 ounces zucchini, cut into 1-in-thick slices
8 ounces russett potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes
3/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 28-ounce can Italian-style diced tomatoes

Heat oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 5 minutes. Add green beans and cayenne pepper and sate until onion is translucent, about 3 additional minutes. Add zucchini, potatoes and parsley. Pour tomatoes and their juices over vegetables. Breing to a boil. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer until potatoes are tender, stirring frequently, about 45 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 6-8

I've also been canning apricots that were given to me. I'm down to my last few and making A LOT of apricot bread later today!