Simplify Your Life

For as long as I can remember I have always had a problem with buying retail. It is even hard for me to say the word RETAIL. I can actually say that 90% of the items in my home are Yard Sale, Thrift Stores, Flea Markets and Antique Stores.

This is my latest find.. The person who was selling it was asking $10.00 and my husband gave him $20.00. He could not bring himself to give any less.

The doors open and the inside tray pivots out and you could even cook on the top.What I like about it is on the cool fall nights or a gathering in the winter for a little heat on the patio with friends and family.

One Year Later

A year to this date my husband was rushed to the hospital with chest pains and four days later he has triple bypass surgery.We celebrated last night with many friends and family my Italian roots way ..Pasta

Within one month he was back to work with his trade construction trade.His year check was just great.

He does not get on the computer much and if he does it is for work but on occasion he looks here and tells me in person what he thinks of my daily blog which I love even more. I would reather hear a voice than read a text.You see a year ago if situations turned out different I would have never heard his voice again.
So this part is for you Donny.... I Love You!

Cannoli Tarts

Tarts
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup REAL butter, softened
2 cup all-purpose flour
Directions
1.Blend cream cheese and butter or margarine. Stir in flour just until blended. I use a spoon to mix.If a little more flour is needed add 1 or two teaspoons. Roll into a ball and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

2.Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3.Shape dough into 48 one-inch balls and press into ungreased Mini Tart pan to make a shallow shell. Bake for 20 minutes, or until LIGHT brown.

Filling
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp almond extract
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or grated candy bar as shown in photo
15 oz. ricotta cheese

Mix well and teaspoon filling on each tart.Garnish with Chocolate Chips or candy shavings.Refrigerate till ready to serve.

*NOTE these tarts can be used for any appetiser or dessert.

Fried Green Tomatoes

2 large egg
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup vegetable oil
4 green tomatoes, sliced

1.In a small bowl whisk eggs . In another small bowl mix cornmeal and flour.
2.Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; use more or less oil to reach about 1/4 inch in depth.
3.Dredge tomato slices first in egg mixture, then in cornmeal/flour mixture. Carefully place slices in hot oil and cook until browned on both sides.

Vino II

Back Porch

Main Squeeze

Marley and The Stag

One of my dear customers in Derry Northern Ireland

sent me a photo of his dog Marley and the watercolor I painted for him... The Stag.

Flowers in my Gardens

Granddaddy's Barn

A Wright Gathering

A beautiful time was had by all with family at Wright Lake House.
So many happy memories have been made here!

Oatmeal Delight Cookies

On my bistro table in front of my Venice Mural

Oatmeal Delight Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup maraschino cherries diced fine

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Lightly grease cookie sheets.
2.In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until smooth. Stir in the egg and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt, stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, stir in the rolled oats, white chocolate chips maraschino cherries and pecans. Drop by tablespoons onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3.Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on flat surface. I use serving platters.

Surreal 1

Clicking image today will give you a better view

Hot Salsa

Brandon's Afterburner

Cayenne Peppers, one medium onion ,four large Tomatoes garlic , olive oil and 1/2 cup vinegar.
Saute


Puree in food processor... ready for the jar


At first taste sweet.. then Fire
Thus ....."Brandon's Afterburner"
GREAT to use as a marinade !

Plantersville Alabama

Morning on my front porch

Kathleen McQueen Wright

A few of pieces of art will be for sale soon in litho print by request from many of my customers.

I am Realted to President James Madison

James Madison and I have a common Grandmother

*Note I am following my family tree according to how we are
related



b.1962 Kathleen McQueen Wright
b.1931 Phyllis Callahan (Leone) Mom
b.1907 Grandma Margaret Callahan
b.1876 Grandma Eva Sipple
b.1858 Grandma Rebecca Lucas
b.1824 Grandpa Benjamin Lucas
b.1797 Grandpa Manoah Lucas
b.1769 Grandma Elizabeth Hackley
b.1753 Grandma Frances Fanny Lightfoot
b.ab 1735 Elizabeth Susannah Slaughter
b.1680 Grandpa Robert Slaughter
b.1653 Francis Slaughter Jr.
b.before 1640 Grandma Elizabeth Underwood

Grandma Elizabeth Underwood
3rd husband
b.1627 John Catlett Sr.

and their descendants

b.1658 John Catlett Jr.
b.1702 Rebecca Catlett
b.1731 Eleanor Nellie Rose Conway who married Col. James Madison
and had a child
b.1751 Our 4th President James Madison

Chillin on the Beach

Happy 4th of July Weekend