Olde Crow Primitives

A BEAUTIFUL PICTURE

2012-02-08T16:23:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to post this picture. I pinned it on my Pinterest. It is one of the sweetest pictures I have ever seen. I have loved horses all of my life and this picture just touched my heart.

~Janet

A TRIP TO OKLAHOMA

2012-02-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

I just returned home yesterday from a trip to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I was there for five days attending an Equine judging seminar and re-certifying my judging credentials, which I have to do every three years. It was great seeing some of the other judges I have worked with in the past and going out to dinner with them. I went to the Cattleman's steakhouse twice and Shorty Small's steakhouse once. They are two of my favorite places to eat when I go to Oklahoma. This week I have to do some intense walking to reduce my waistline. Seems I do a lot of eating when I am down there :) We had great weather. It made it up to 70 degrees on Wednesday, but unfortunately I was inside all day. I drove to Detroit airport and flew out of there as it is much cheaper than flying out of Canada. I was planning on stopping in at Holly Hills Primitives yesterday for the girls Super Bowl party, but I was just too tired to re-route. My intentions were good though. I would have loved to have seen Dawn. I had to get up at 3 am. and get to the airport, as my flight home left at 5:30 am.

If any of you haven't signed up for Pinterest yet, you should. It is a lot of fun. You can check mine out. I have a link on my sidebar. A lot of Bloggers are on there.

Hoping you all have a great week.

~Janet

A THANK YOU

2012-01-15T17:09:00.001-05:00

Thank you to everyone who left kind comments on my Blog over this past weekend, and for the numerous emails of comfort I received regarding the passing of my beloved "Shorty". Many were from people I don't even know. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated more than you'll ever know.

~Janet

LOSING A VERY SPECIAL FRIEND

2012-01-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Today is a very sad day for me. Early this morning I lost my special little friend Shorty. I adopted her from rescue almost 10 years ago. She was around the age of 7 or 8 when she came to live with us. I can't even begin to tell you how much joy she brought to our lives. I found this little poem and I am posting it as a tribute to her.
I loved her so much. It broke my heart.

God looked around his garden and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.

He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering, he knew you were in pain.

He knew that you would never get well on this earth again.

He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.

So he closed your weary eyelids and whispered "Peace be thine".

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone.

For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

Author Unknown

AN OUTING TO AMISH COUNTRY

2012-01-07T16:16:00.002-05:00

This morning my DH and I were feeling a little better after battling a flu virus/bronchitis for the past 4 weeks, so we decide to take a drive to Amish country which is only just over an hour away from us. It was a beautiful drive, mild and sunny with snow on the ground. I was up there just before Christmas and got some carrots that were the sweetest carrots I have ever tasted. I bought 10 pounds of them, and for only $1.75. We have been enjoying them every day, so I thought I could pick some more of them up while we were there. Today, I got 20 lbs. of them. Of course I will share some of them with the horses. We had the breakfast buffet at a wonderful Amish restaurant called the Crossroads in Elmira, Ontario. They have fabulous food. The breakfast buffet is absolutely delicious and for only $7.99....all you can eat, and boy did we eat! They had so many different selections from fresh fruits, to pancakes and waffles, eggs, bacon, sausages, biscuits, and lots more. There is a great Quilt shop at the end of the building where the restaurant is, so we had a look around there after breakfast. After that we hit the market and got some needfulls for the pantry, then we headed home. It was a perfect day for a nice drive. We enjoyed it so much, and yes it did make us feel better.

~Janet

Amish horse and buggy

Fresh vegetables at the Farmer's Market

A SNOWY DAY

2012-01-02T10:42:00.002-05:00

Today is a snowy day here in Southwestern Ontario. Sometimes, I can't even see the barn when I look out of the kitchen window. The bird feeders are all full and the birds are all huddled together getting their wild bird seed. The dogs have been out enjoying the snow and the horses are outside enjoying some fresh air. The cats are laying beside the wood stove in DH's shop soaking up the heat. We are expecting up to 40 cm of snow by the end of tonight. This is the first snow storm of the season. I just finished making some home made butternut squash soup, so we will be enjoying that for our lunch.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. DH and I have been fighting off a cold virus and bronchitis for the last three weeks, so hopefully we will feel better soon.

I am looking out for a tall cupboard only about 12" deep for my sewing room to store my fabric in. Having it in boxes on the floor isn't a great way of organizing it. Hopefully when this snow stops, I can find something that is in my budget.

Have a great day.

~Janet

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-27T20:48:00.002-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-19T16:10:00.004-05:00

A CHRISTMAS GATHERING

2011-12-13T12:18:00.004-05:00

Last night was our yearly Christmas gathering of our little sewing group. What a fun time we had. I know what you're going to say Robin....yes I am at it again :)

Mary was our host and she made a delicious dinner for us. On the menu was pasta with a choice of meat or vegetarian sauce, Caesar salad, garlic bread, sausage, and for desert, Mary made home made pumpkin pie, lemon tarts and peanut brittle. She had some wonderful appetizers also.Thanks Mary. A great time and a delicious dinner. As you can see from the pictures below, we all had a wonderful time.

Mary's table was beautifully set

We enjoyed pasta, Caesar salad, garlic bread, sausage, and for desert Mary made homemade pumpkin pie, lemon tarts, and some peanut brittle. It was a real FEAST and very delicious!

Linda and Michelle

Brenda and Mary

Brenda, Shirley and Michelle

hmmmm..... I wonder what is in that container??

I think I see a lot of wine bottles in there???

Brenda wearing her party hat :)

Shirley is having a great time!

Linda and Mary

Mary and Brenda

Ok girls, I think we should slow down on the wine!
Shirley knitted us all neck/head warmers in our favorite colors. Mary and Linda are modeling theirs. I got a beautiful red one, as red is my favorite color.

PRIMITIVE HORSES

2011-12-07T03:14:00.001-05:00

I went to visit my friend's shop yesterday, and she is now making these gorgeous hand made Primitive Horses. They are just awesome and the pictures do not do them justice. Thought you might like to see some pictures. You can also check out her website at www.pinesamplerfurniture.com

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

2011-12-06T18:57:00.002-05:00

Today was our Christmas luncheon for our Quilters' Guild. A great meeting, a great trunk show and speaker and a great vendor. What more could one want...............oh yes, there was a fantastic Christmas luncheon after our meeting with chicken, rice, two kinds of salad, rolls with butter, and tea or coffee and a great angel food cake desert with berries and whipped cream.

Mary and Michelle

Myself, Linda and Shirley. I guess I didn't know someone was taking my picture........DUH! I was looking at someone across the other side of the room. Actually, I think I am just wondering....WHEN ARE WE GOING TO EAT! :)

A NIGHT OUT

2011-11-27T03:36:00.004-05:00

On Thursday night our friend Brenda had our little sewing group over to her house for dinner. She had just completed her new sewing/pattern designing studio so we got the grand tour of that. It is absolutely gorgeous! There was also a built in Pantry installed for Brenda's canning. Boy, I thought I did a lot of canning, but Brenda has me beat. We had a delicious dinner and then we all settled into her new sewing area and spent the evening sewing and chatting up a storm. We had a wonderful time as usual! We missed our friend Linda, she couldn't be with us that night.


Brenda and I standing beside her full Pantry

Another picture of Brenda's Pantry

Sitting down for Brenda's delicious dinner. Everything was home made, even the juice!

We are all sewing up a storm after dinner in Brenda's new studio.

NEW WOOD SHED

2011-11-24T03:53:00.001-05:00

I would like to wish Happy Thanksgiving to all of my American friends. Our Thanksgiving was October 10th, but I wish we were having it now too :)

We just put a new woodshed on the back of my summer kitchen and we have been working hard getting it full of wood for the winter. We are almost finished. Below is a picture from October, of the first load of wood ready to be put in. The shed in the first picture still needs the trim put on and below on the last picture, it is completely finished. Next year I will stain it to match the summer kitchen that I stained this fall. This is going to be a great place for keeping our wood dry for the winter. We have been working steady putting loads in and we almost have it filled.

A load of fire wood ready to be put in

This is about half full

The finished wood shed

GIRL'S DAY OUT

2011-11-10T20:45:00.001-05:00

Today, my friends Mary and Michelle and I started out early this morning and went to a Primitive home Open House. Lots of goodies to be found there. The home was all decked out for Christmas and the people were coming in droves. We made a few purchases then got in the car and headed for Bayfield for lunch and some more shopping. We had a delicious lunch at the Black Dog pub. Mary had the fish and chips, and Michelle and I had the chicken wrap with Jamaican bean and vegetable soup. After lunch we had nice walk through the town and checked out some of the shops. On the way home, we stopped at the Pine Sampler shop in Hensall. It was filled to the brim with wonderful primitive furniture and accessories and the air was filled with the scent of the most wonderful candles, the window boxes outside were beautifully decorated with spruce, cedar, and pine boughs. They had such a nice selection of wool for rug hooking too. We left there and stopped in Exeter and had coffee and desert at Coffee Cultures, then a quick visit to the Quilt shop next door, and then home. We even drove through a little snow squall on the way. We missed Brenda, Shirley, and Linda today. They couldn't join us due to other commitments, but we were thinking of them.

Michelle, myself and Mary

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2011-10-31T01:15:00.002-04:00

FAMILY VISIT AND CRANBERRY HARVEST

2011-10-28T22:25:00.003-04:00

Last week DH and I took a 3000 mile flight to British Columbia to see my family..... my two sisters and their husbands, my Dad, and our niece and nephew. While we were there, DH was able to see our Brother in Law's Cranberry Harvest that was in full swing. He really enjoyed seeing it, as he enjoys all aspects of farming. There is no cranberries grown in our area, so this was very interesting for him to see. We stayed at the home of my sister Karen and her husband Allen. We had some great meals while we were there, and Karen makes the best spaghetti I have ever tasted! There were lots of other delicious meals too. We had a great time seeing everyone again. DH got some wonderful shots from 38,000 feet and some pictures of the Cranberry Harvest.

Coming in for a landing at Abbotsford, BC

Above the clouds

Harvesting the Cranberries

Flooding the Cranberries

Flying over the Rocky Mountains

Another great picture of the snow capped Rocky Mountains

Flying over Lake Michigan on the way home

Going over the Prairies

My sister Audrey with her dog "Lucas" and my Dad

HALLOWEEN STITCHERY

2011-10-28T01:07:00.000-04:00

I was fortunate enough a few weeks back to win a Halloween Stitchery made by Linda of Parker's Paradise. I picked it up at the Post Office this week and I absolutely LOVE it! Linda, you do fine work. Thank you so much. I will treasure this for years to come.

On another note, it is getting pretty chilly here in Ontario. I am sitting here typing this, enjoying the heat of my wood stove. We are supposed to get a heavy frost tonight so I made sure that I brought all of my potted herbs inside. Yesterday DH and I stacked 4 face cords of firewood in our wood shed and hope to do more this weekend.

Halloween Stitchery I won from Linda's Give Away

GIRLFRIEND GATHERING

2011-10-27T10:50:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday night it was my turn to host a dinner for my quilting friends Linda, Brenda, Mary and Shirley, and our friend Michelle should have been there, but unfortunately she was coming down with a cold, and couldn't join us. I made caesar salad, vegetarian lasagna, and garlic bread with cheese. We also enjoyed some wine with dinner and for desert, I had a choice of home made pumpkin or apple pie with tea or coffee. After dinner we did some sewing and catching up on the goings on in our lives. We have been getting together like this for about five years now and I so look forward to our gatherings. I managed to take a couple of pictures of the event.

Janet


A Gathering of Quilting Friends..Linda, Brenda, Mary, and Shirley

Linda......she is always smiling :)

GETTING TO KNOW ME FROM A TO Z

2011-10-22T20:15:00.007-04:00

I saw this on a few Blogs and I enjoyed reading them, so I thought I would join in :)

A~   Age: 55
B~ Bed: Double, 4 poster pine bed.
C~ Chore you hate: Washing windows, cleaning the bathtub.
D~ Dog: We have three dogs, one Jack Russell named "Shorty" and two Australian Shepherds named "Sydney" and "Louis".
E~ Essential start to my day:   Black Coffee. I am up at 4 am and I have 2 cups of strong black coffee before I start my day.
F~ Favorite color: Red.
G~ Gold or silver: Gold, but I don't wear much jewelery.
H~ Height:   around 5 foot 7
I~ Instruments I play:   None.
J~ Job Title:   Equine Judge, Webmaster, Graphic Designer, Critter Keeper, Gardener, Dog walker, home keeper, quilter.
K~ Kids: All of my kids have four legs.
L~ Live in: Ontario, Canada.
M~ Make of car: Jeep.
N~ Nicknames: Doodley, Mummy.
O~ Overnight hospital stay: None.

P~ Pet Peeve(s): (1)People who don't answer an email, I would appreciate even just a "Thanks", so I know that they received it. (2)The way people get on and off airplanes. I wish I could do a tutorial on the efficient way to plane and de-plane. (3)People that are users, and I have known some :( and they are now HISTORY from my life! The friends I have now are TRUE friends.
Q~ Quote from a movie: You know they often say a man with a car like that, is trying the compensate for smaller genitals sissy, but not in your case, cause I see that you're a strapping man aren't ya.~ Mrs. Doubtfire
R~ Right or left handed: Right.
S~ Siblings: Two Sisters both younger than I.
T ~ T.V. Shows: CSI, Criminal Minds, Road to Avonlea, Coronation Street.
U~ Underwear: Cotton.
V~ Vegetable you hate: I love vegetables, I just don't like Black Olives.
W~ What makes you late? I am always early. I hate it when people are late. If I can make the effort, they should too.
X~ X-rays: Yes. Various reasons.
Y- Yummy food that I make: Home baked bread, spaghetti, pot pies.
Z~ Zoo Animals: I like all critters.

A couple of extra things about me.
~I enjoy the simple things in life.....I would much rather be sitting beside my wood stove watching the snow coming down, than be lying on a beach in Hawaii or on a Caribbean cruise. If I ever won a cruise, I would either give it to a family member or have a give away on my Blog :)
~If I don't like you, you will definitely know it, for I am not an actress. If I was an actress, I would be in the movies!

SUMMER KITCHEN

2011-10-16T17:22:00.002-04:00

Well last weekend the weather was so nice that I finally got my summer kitchen stained. I used Early American but it came out really dark which is fine by me. I let the board and batten weather for a year and half, so it really sucked up the stain. I wanted to get this project done before the snow started to fly. I also stained the front porch. I have been asked to post a picture, so here it is. I even put in a little garden at the side. I put in 2 sedums and 3 hostas.

2011 Convocation

2011-10-14T16:51:00.001-04:00

Last night DH and I attended my College Convocation. We had a great time. Here is a picture he took of me with my Honours Diploma. The picture is a little dark due to the lack of lighting in the room.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-10-09T11:17:00.001-04:00

Seeing it is Thanksgiving in Canada, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Janet

SHE HAS ARRIVED

2011-10-07T17:39:00.001-04:00

My Pumpkin Gall has arrived at Olde Crow Primitives. I was one of the lucky winners from Brenda's giveaway last month. Her blog is the Rusty Thimble Thank you Brenda, I just LOVE her. I will treasure her. She is very well made too. Brenda does a lovely job of making her Prim dolls. It was a beautiful day here in Southwestern Ontario with temperatures in the mid 70's. My favorite time of year. I started staining the outside of my summer kitchen today and I got one side finished. Tomorrow I have to get on the roof. Not looking forward to that. DH has been harvesting his soybeans for the past two days. The weather is supposed to be good up to next Wednesday late in the day, so he should get all of the soybeans harvested and the wheat planted. It is Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada, so I am cooking a chicken and a ham with all the fixins.

She has already made herself at home :)

And here she is again sitting on my wine rack

WINNING 1ST PRIZE

2011-10-02T19:04:00.005-04:00

This weekend was a winning weekend for me. I was so proud when I went to our small town Fair yesterday and saw that my bread had won first prize in the "Best Bread" contest in the "Country Fair Baking contest". It was sponsored by Fleischmann's Yeast. I was up at 4:30 am on Friday to bake this bread and have it cooled so I could enter it by 11 am. I won a beautiful rosette....our first place is red in Canada, and I know it is blue in the US. I also won $15.00 and a gift package containing a measuring cup, recipe book, and tons of coupons. So it was well worth getting up that early to make the bread. The bread had to be hand made, no bread machine was allowed. That was fine with me, as that is how I always make my bread, from scratch, and I love doing it. Needless to say, it made my day! It is very chilly here in Ontario, we have had our wood stove on all day. I think we may have a frost tonight.


Loaves of bread cooling. One went to the Fair and my DH ate the other one :) Below is my winning ribbon.

A MINI VACATION

2011-09-30T14:02:00.002-04:00

Last week DH and I went to visit his sister Sandy and her husband Brian for a couple of days. We had a great time seeing all the beautiful gardens, their horses and eating all the great food that was prepared for us. We visited some local antique shops in Bancroft and a primitive shoppe called "The Old Tin Shed" that was full of some great treasures. They sent us home with lots of raspberry bushes that we planted the day we got home. We are looking forward to another trip next year.

Horses enjoying their hay

Sandy's wood burning cook stove

Sandy and I admiring the freshly dug sweet potatoes

Sandy and I walking up to the "The Old Tin Shed" primitive shoppe

Sandy and I on the porch of the Old Tin Shed

The Old Tin Shed Primitive Shoppe

SIL and BIL, Sandy and Brian digging some raspberry bushes for us to take home

A GATHERING OF FRIENDS

2011-09-29T11:06:00.002-04:00

Last night we had our Quilting Friends gathering at our friend Linda's log home. What a gorgeous log home too, nestled in the woods. What a great dinner she made for us. She served us a wonderful salad, then asparagus fritatta, whole grain fresh bread, potato bakes, chicken and pork. For desert we had a choice of banana loaf or peach cobbler. I think we all chose both. Oh yes, some great beverage choices too, red or white wine, or cider. We all enjoyed a delicious meal then we all got some sewing done.

Our friend Shirley surprised us all with a binder for each of us and she had stickers made that said "Quilting Friends recipes". Everytime we have dinner at one another's homes, we always ask for the recipes, so this way we can all stay organized. What a great idea. The next gathering is at my place so I had better start planning.

APPLE CIDER FESTIVAL

2011-09-25T19:07:00.002-04:00

Today was a beautiful day here on Southern Ontario, so DH and I decided to go to the Egmondville Ciderfest. There was so much to see, from Pumpkin displays, rug hooking, rug braiding, quilting, and beading. There was fresh apple fritters too and we had to try some of those..........delicious! There was also lots of home baked pies, butter tarts, jams and jellies, and apple cider too. It was just interesting walking around the historic property and touring the historic home.

Apple Fritters


Hot Apple Cider on an open fire

Bayfield Berry Farm selling baked goods and berries

Pumpkins for sale

Pumpkins and Gourds

Old Washing Machine (this was actually working)

Old Wash Tubs

Demonstrating Baling Hay

Egmondville Historic home

Historic bedroom

ANOTHER FANTASTIC DINNER

2011-09-11T09:16:00.001-04:00

Last night DH and I were invited to another fantastic dinner at Sandie and Henry's home (THE HOLLOW CUPBOARD). Henry makes the BEST barbequed ribs. Sandie made a wonderful pasta salad that was a great compliment to the ribs. We had lots of corn on the cob, cucumber salad, baked potatoes, and crusty bread. To finish the meal, we had home made apple pie with ice cream. Needless to say we were stuffed after eating such a good meal. Sandie and Henry's neighbor Bev also joined us for dinner. It was great meeting her too as she is also a quilter. If you haven't visited the website of THE HOLLOW CUPBOARD, you should take a peak. Sandie and Henry sell the most awesome early goods and antiques. Their website address is: http://www.thehollowcupboard.com

Table setting

Delicious Pasta Salad

Henry's wonderful barbequed ribs

Pasta salad and corn on the cob

Henry, Stan, and myself

Bev and Henry

Apple Pie

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

2011-09-06T20:01:00.003-04:00

Chicken, corn on the cob and .............. Puff Ball! This is what we had for dinner tonight. DH and I always look forward to these each year around this time. They grow at the edge of our woods and they taste a lot like mushrooms. You must pick them when they are white, just at the right time or they are not good. This one was so big, I only used half of it. They can get to be the size of basketballs. I peel it, cut it into small pieces, and then fry it in butter then add a little sea salt. They are delicious! If you haven't tried one, you might like to.

~Janet

THRILLED TO HAVE WON

2011-09-05T14:01:00.005-04:00

First off, I would like to thank everyone who posted all the thoughtful and heartwarming comments on my blog after my cat, Tigger passed away last week. It has been a tough few days. We really miss him.

On another note, I am very thrilled to have won the Pumpkin doll from Brenda's give away. Brenda's blog is the Rusty Thimble. Thanks Brenda. I am really looking forward to her arrival and I have a special place all picked out in my home for her. I hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day weekend.

Janet

A SAD DAY

2011-09-02T06:44:00.002-04:00

Today is a sad day. We lost another member of our family. Our 17 year old cat "Tigger" passed away last evening. Tigger was such a special cat. He always seemed to care for other cats on the farm when they were not feeling well. He was the last remaining cat from a litter of five that were born on our farm 17 years ago. Tigger lived in our barn until last January when we brought him into our house to live due to his age. He adapted very well to living in the house, quite a change from mousing in the barn and sleeping in the hayloft for all those years. He loved sleeping next to our wood stove last winter. He also loved sharing the couch with DH. He will be missed very much.

HOLLY MICHIGAN

2011-09-01T04:36:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday I had to judge a horse show in Allegan Michigan, so I stopped into Holly Michigan and had a visit with Dawn of Holly Hills Primitives. I was overwhelmed with all of the great things Dawn had in her shop. She had it decorated so perfectly! She must have spent hours and hours getting it to look that good. The very back of her store was done up like a log cabin........I could have moved right in. Dawn had so many hand made unique primitive dolls and other autumn things. It is so nice to go somewhere and not see the same things you see in other shops. The shop also smelled wonderful. I didn't want to leave. If you ever get a chance to visit Holly, make sure you pop in and see Dawn. You won't be disappointed. She will be glad to see you. Dawn is thinking of having a Blog gathering in the near future too. To visit her Blog go to http://hollyhillsprimitives.blogspot.com

PANTRY LABELS

2011-08-31T16:53:00.001-04:00

U-Print Pantry labels for sale in my Olde Crow's Mercantile
Customized with your name.
Emailed to you in PDF form.
Just in time for your Autumn baking!

THE FIRST FLIGHT

2011-08-24T05:03:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was the day. My husband was going to take the first flight in his Corby Starlet home built airplane that he has spent the last 10 years building. The night before this was to take place, I never slept. I sat downstairs and watched TV all night, trying to doze off, but it didn't happen. I just kept thinking of all the things that could go wrong. I didn't want anything to happen to him. Stan had spent hours upon hours over the last 10 years building this aircraft and he made almost every single part himself. He is very talented. I took some pictures of the occasion and all went very well. He even reached a speed of 96 MPH........OMG!

Just finished the pre-flight inspection

On the runway

Waving goodbye

Just starting to lift off

The little speck is my husband in the air

AUTUMN GIVE AWAY WINNERS

2011-08-21T09:34:00.000-04:00

Good morning and thank you to all who entered my autumn give away. Also, welcome to all my new followers.

This morning I had DH pick the winners and they are as follows:

1ST prize for a Blog header, hand made goats milk soap, tart melts and a hand made quilted table topper is Linda from

PARKER'S PARADISE.

2ND prize for a Blog header only is Audrey from

AUD THE BIRD LADY.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please email me at janetmcclure1@gmail.com
Thanks, Janet

CHICKEN COLESLAW SALAD

2011-08-16T17:34:00.000-04:00

This is a recipe that my friend MaryAnne always brings to our sewing Potluck dinners. I asked her for it so that I can post it for anyone who wants a recipe for a great salad. Everyone loves this dish!

CHICKEN COLESLAW SALAD

1 Bag of coleslaw salad
2 Cups of cooked chicken (grocery store roast chicken shredded) or 1 pkg 500gm frozen fully cooked sliced chicken.
1 Can of mandarin oranges drained.
1 small can of pineapple chunks, drained. Save the juice.
1 large Granny Smith apple sliced.
2 green onions, sliced thin.
1/2 Cup of Kraft mandarin orange with sesame salad dressing.
1 Tablespoon white wine vinegar

Toss the sliced apples in 1/4 cup of pineapple juice. In large bowl, toss together all ingredients with salad dressing. Add more if needed.

You can make this ahead up to 1 day, but it is best when made 2-3 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

AWESOME AUTUMN GIVE AWAY

2011-08-01T14:30:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone had a good weekend. I was judging a two day horse show in Barien Springs Michigan on Saturday and Sunday and it was so hot that it was almost unbearable, but I did survive. On the way down to Benton Harbor Mi. where I stayed Friday and Saturday night, I stopped in Holly Michigan to pay a visit to my friend Dawn of Holly Hills Primitives. We had a nice visit and enjoyed a cup of coffee while chatting. Good to see you again Dawn. Dawn has some great things in her shop for fall and more things coming in soon. If you are anywhere near Holly Michigan you should stop in and check it out. You won't be disappointed. Here is a link to her blog. http://hollyhillsprimitives.blogspot.com

Now for my give away.

I am giving away a header for your Blog or Website, or whatever you would like to use it for. It is designed by me. I will put the name of your Blog on it and size it to fit. It will come to you in jpg format. Unfortunately, it is not one of a kind, as I have had people email me and ask if I could make them one, so I have sold a few off my mercantile site. I also made a quilted table topper for the fall season, in sage green, pumpkin orange, brown, and gold. There is more..........1 bag of my "Sweet Cinnamon Apples" tart melts, and a "Harvest Apple Spice" bar of my hand poured goats milk and shea butter soap. After I make the draw for these four things, I will draw another name and that person will win a Blog banner. RULES..You must be a follower of my Blog. New followers are welcome. You must comment on this post that you would like to be entered and then put it on your sidebar linking it to my blog, or you can do a post about my giveaway. It is your choice. I will make the draw on August 21st.

GOOD LUCK everyone!

Blog or Website header/banner

Tart Melts and Soap

Autumn Table Topper

UPDATE ON SHORTY

2011-07-25T08:08:00.002-04:00

First of all, I would like to thank everyone who sent emails of well wishes for Shorty and also to those who left comments on my Blog and kept her in your thoughts and prayers. I took this picture this morning, and as you can see she has recovered from her stroke. I am so grateful. I was worried sick about her and sat up with her at night. She gradually got better over the weekend, and can now stand up and walk around. Last Wednesday night she could not stand or even hold her head up. She was laying there almost dead like. I will tell you about how Shorty became part of our family. First off, she is around 15 years old. A neighbor of ours worked in a Vet clinic and 8 years ago Shorty was brought in to be euthanized by her owner, stating that she did not get along with men. My neighbor took the dog, and the $75.00 fee and then brought her to me. I had told her a few months before that if she found a Jack Russell a little older that needed a home I would like one. She has lived with us for the past 8 years and she is the best dog one could ask for. BTW she gets along with men just fine. The $75.00 was donated to the Humane Society.

Shorty and I hope everyone has a great week.

And again, THANK YOU :)

Janet

Shorty

PRAYERS ARE NEEDED

2011-07-22T03:44:00.001-04:00

Prayers are needed for my sweet little Jack Russell Shorty. On Wednesday night she suffered a stroke.

I have sat up with her the last two nights. My veterinarian says she may be able to pull through. Please keep her in your thoughts. Thanks so much.

Janet

My sweet little "Shorty"

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

2011-07-18T09:15:00.002-04:00

Well we finally got a little rain this morning. It has been so hot and humid here in Ontario. We have temperatures in the high 90's and no rain until this morning. They are calling for showers on and off all day and again on Wednesday. We have two large vegetable gardens this year, one for potatoes, tomatos, lettuce, basil, peas, beans, peanuts, sweet corn, and peppers, and we have another large garden just for squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins. It sure takes a lot of upkeep, but it does keep us in shape and it is well worth having the fresh vegetables. Hopefully after this week it will cool down a little. I judged a huge horse show yesterday, and it was smoldering hot all day long. I was exhaused when I got home last night. Can't wait for fall!

I hope you all have a great week.

Janet

Rows of potatoes in bloom

Our vegetable garden is coming along

Magic

Magic and Dolly enjoying a morning of grazing out in the field

FLOWERS IN FULL BLOOM

2011-07-12T10:29:00.001-04:00

I thought I would post some pictures of my flower garden. Everything is pretty much in full bloom now, so it is all downhill from here. They always look so good when everything is blooming. I hope everyone is enjoying this weather. Way too hot for me :)

My favorite time is fall and it can come any time.

Have a great day.

Janet

My little herb garden on my porch.....handy for barbequing

Flower garden in front of the porch. Everything is blooming except for the Tansy, late flox, and the fall mums.

You can see my newly painted chairs. Dan from Yesterday Once More told me that he had used the color "Kiln" to do a lot of painting at his place and I just loved the color. So I went to Home Depot and got some of that paint and I just love the way they turned out. I also painted my screen doors the same color.

My Hollyhocks in full bloom. The hummingbirds are going crazy over these.

My Hydrangeas in full bloom. They look awesome this year.

If you look under my flower cart, you can see my Australian Shepherd "Sydney". He loves to lay under there when it is hot outside.

Here is my screen door painted in the "Kiln" color.

Just a few of my birdhouses that I have in my garden.

I REALLY DON'T CARE

2011-07-09T17:29:00.006-04:00

I really don't care that it is not yet fall. I went ahead and created a fall header for my Blog. I am thinking fall and I am planning a give away for the first of August, so make sure you check back to see what it is.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. The weather is just gorgeous here, I have even noticed a little fall coloring in my maple trees :)
Janet

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

2011-07-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

I would like to wish all of my American friends a Happy 4th of July. I hope you all have a safe and fun filled weekend.

Janet

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DH

2011-06-29T07:57:00.001-04:00

20 years ago on this date, I married my best friend and soul mate. It has been a wonderful 20 years and I just couldn't imagine life without him. Happy Anniversary Stan. I love you.

Janet

DH's Ten Year Project Finished!

2011-06-27T11:15:00.001-04:00

I took this picture this morning when we moved my husband's Corby Starlet aircraft from his shop to the hangar. He has just finished it and he built it all from scratch, (no he did not build from a kit.) He made every single part by hand except for the engine of course. I am very proud of him and you can tell by the picture that he is also very proud. Congratulations Stan!

DH proudly standing beside his 10 year project

A PRODUCTIVE DAY

2011-06-24T14:56:00.001-04:00

Today was a very productive one. It has been raining all day, so gardening is out. I picked up some fresh strawberries yesterday at the Exeter Farmer's Market and cut some rhubarb from my rhubarb patch and made a batch of strawberry rhubarb jam and a fresh home made strawberry rhubarb pie. I also baked two loaves of bread. I have just hulled some more strawberries to make a batch of just strawberry jam. We had a piece of the pie for lunch today and a sandwich made with the bread and it was delicious. I hope I am not making you hungry!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
~Janet

Home baked bread and strawberry rhubarb pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

NEW CUPBOARD TUCK

2011-06-21T19:56:00.000-04:00

I thought I would post a picture of my new cupboard tuck from Pam at Primitive Basketcase.

I received it about a week ago before our Postal Strike came to a dead halt. Yes, we have no postal delivery here in Canada right now and we don't know when it will resume :( I saw this cupboard tuck on Pam's site and thought it would make an excellent addition to my new sewing room. I was taught to x-stitch, but it makes me x-eyed...LOL, so I think I will just stick to my quilting. I have been pretty busy. I judged two horse shows on the weekend and last week I painted my screen door on my summer kitchen and on my side porch. I also painted the two cedar chairs on my porch. I will post pictures soon. I have also been working in my gardens most of the day. I want to get them in shape this year. Last summer I was in school and they just got out of hand. Some of them are full of twitch grass and it is hard to get it out.

Beautiful handmade cupboard tuck

WHAT I'VE BEEN WORKING ON

2011-06-11T16:32:00.000-04:00

This is what I have been working on this week, one of my gardens. I have it all weeded out and DH brought me some large rocks from around the farm so that I could put them in front of the garden. I was always having problems with little stones getting into the garden because the driveway is right in front of it. This way there is a separation.

DH and I got up early this morning and went to the Farmer's Market at the Western Fair grounds in London and got some great things. We got some fresh eggs, apple cider, fresh vegetables, smoked ham for sandwiches, tomatoes, meat pies, and lots of other fresh goods. We had breakfast there too. They have delicious breakfasts and we always have the bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich. Well, back to my gardens. I have many more to work on. My friend Brenda gave me some great herbs yesterday, some Lovage, which is great in soups and stews, some Garlic Chives, and some Borage. I stopped in at my friend Shirley's Quilt shop on the way home from Brenda's and Shirley gave me some Salad Bernet. So I have all of the new plants replanted also.

Showing the newly added rocks in front of the garden

one of my birdhouses in the garden

Butterfly house in the garden

My little Herb Garden

MY UNCLE'S BIRTHDAY

2011-06-08T21:04:00.001-04:00

Today was my Uncle George's birthday and seeing we have a Postal strike going on here in Canada, I hand delivered a birthday card to him from DH and myself. I also baked him one of my home made rhubarb loaves. They are moved into their new home now so I got the grand tour. It is quite nice and perfectly suited for them.

DH and I just finished bailing hay. What a job! It is so hot outside and really high humidity. We had to get it as they are calling for severe thunderstorms over night. At least it is done for the time being, until second cut.
It has been a busy week around here. On Tuesday, we had a horrific storm and a 200 year old maple tree came down across the road and took down the power lines. We had no power for 13 hours.
We did get our huge vegetable garden planted on Monday, so it got lots of rain during the Tuesday storm.

My Uncle George and Aunt Doreen

TRIP TO NEW YORK STATE

2011-06-05T13:39:00.004-04:00

I returned home around 10:30 am this morning. I was judging a horse show in Fonda New York, not far from Albany New York. A great show with some great horses to judge. The fairgrounds were nestled at the bottom of a mountain and they told me they were the Catskill mountains. Just gorgeous! I pulled out of my hotel at 3 am this morning and stopped at Dunkin Donuts and grabbed a large black coffee and got onto the New York thruway. I wanted to get home in good time to avoid traffic, and also I miss DH and all our critters when I'm away. As I was driving down the NY thruway, I started thinking.......what if I get a flat tire? What if I break down? I was wondering what the heck I was doing out here at this time in the morning. Then I thought.....DEER! I must have had about 20 encounters with the critters as dawn approached. At one time I had to come to a complete stop, as there was one just standing in the road in front of me. I am just thankful that there wasn't very much traffic. I left home on Friday and had a nice drive to Fonda. I stopped at my favorite Quilt Shop in Caledonia, New York called the Chestnut Bay Quilt shop and of course I had to buy some Civil War fat quarters. Just up the road in a little historic hamlet called Mumford, I came across a lovely Primitive shop and of course I had to stop and check it out. It was called Primitive Country Gifts and if you are ever in the area, you should check it out. It is in an old 1840's General Store with two floors filled with wonderful goods from antiques, home furnishings, textiles, lighting, and anything primitive you can ever imagine. They sold all kinds of great prim magazines, Mercantile Gatherings, A Primitive Place, and A Simple Life. There was fresh brewed coffee and samplings of homemade jellies and other wonderful preserves. The store smelled wonderful and you were greeted by friendly staff members. Just walking around looking at the great things they had was a great experience. I will definitely stop in there again when I return to New York state. So the weather here is beautiful today, so we are thinking of cutting hay, then hopefully starting to plant the garden.

New York state.

The Catskill Mountains in New York state.

I came across lots of these critters on my journey home!

TIS THE SEASON

2011-06-01T09:33:00.003-04:00

RHUBARB SCONES

Tis the season.............Rhubarb season that is. After a busy weekend judging in Nova Scotia, which by the way is just gorgeous out there, I was glad to get home and do some baking. While out there, I had to have seafood chowder every day. I just love it. This morning I thought I would make some rhubarb scones seeing I have so much rhubarb and we just love the stuff. These scones turned out awesome and they are healthy too. The recipe made 8 scones and DH told me that 5 on a plate would look much more interesting than 8 for the picture to put on my Blog, so need I say any more :) I will post the recipe in case anyone would like to try to make a batch.

1 - 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

1/3 cup sugar

2 - 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used lemon yogurt)

1 egg

2 stalks rhubarb, cut into cubes

DIRECTIONS:

(1) Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
(2) Preheat oven to 400°F.
(3) In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt, cinnamon.
(4) In small bowl mix milk,yogurt and egg. Drizzle over dry ingredients stirring with fork to make a dough (dough will be wet and sticky).
(5) Knead in the rhubarb. Stir with stiff spoon or use your fingers.
(6) Form a ball with dough, place on baking sheet, pat down into circle about 8 inches wide and cut into 8 triangles or cut individual rounds with your biscuit cutter to 1/2 inch thick.
Bake in center of oven for 15-25 minutes. Test with toothpick before removing from oven. If top is getting brown but inside is still sticky, cover top with foil while cooking a few minutes more until done. Let cool on wire wrack until warm but not hot.

Serve warm with butter or jam.

ENJOY!

RHUBARB MUFFINS

2011-05-24T10:35:00.003-04:00

This morning I baked these wonderful rhubarb muffins. They turned out perfect. My rhubarb patch is just full of red stalks of delicious rhubarb, so I thought I would make these muffins. I have included the recipe below. You won't be disappointed!

Rhubarb Muffins

Rhubarb muffins............I did start out with a dozen hmmmmm I wonder where they went :)

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups finely chopped rhubarb
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cardamon (if you have it)

Procedure:

Combine flour, soda, cinnamon, cardamon, and salt. In a separate bowl blend sugar with oil. Whisk in egg, buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients along with rhubarb just until flour is incorporated. Spoon into greased or paper-lined muffin tins, filling 3/4 full, or spoon into 2 greased 8" x 4" loaf pans. Bake at 350F for 20-25 min for muffins, or 40-45 min for loaves, or until cake tester comes out clean. Let cool in pans 10 min before removing. Makes 18 muffins or 2 loaves. Per muffin: 215 calories, 3 g protein, 7 g fat, 35 g carbs.

Fresh Cut Lilacs from our farm

They smell absolutely wonderful!

A VERY UNIQUE RESCUE

2011-05-17T09:08:00.004-04:00

We have just had a very unique rescue performed at Olde Crow Primitives. Our little cat "Izzy" went up to the top of one of our 60 foot spruce trees and couldn't get down. We had to call a local tree service in with a bucket to get her down. We had tried everything to get her to come down on her own, and nothing worked. We figured she had been chased up there by another cat.

The poor little girl is safe and sound now and she hasn't stopped eating since being rescued.

The tallest spruce tree is the one that Izzy is at the top of.

I zoomed in but you still can't see her. She is inside of the yellow circle. You can see the shape of a cat if you look closely.

Picture of the truck with the braces out getting ready to go up.

On his way up!

Almost there

Picking "Izzy" from the branch

Coming down with "Izzy"

Handing "Izzy" over to my DH

Re Posting of MY NEW SEWING ROOM

2011-05-13T13:46:00.002-04:00

This is a re-post from yesterday. I don't know what happened, but I do know that Blogger was unavailable and there was a message that they had to remove all the posts from yesterday temporarily to get things repaired.......whatever that meant. Anyway I am re-posting this. I know a couple of people left some nice comments, and I just want you to know that I didn't delete them or anything like that, it was Blogger. The Olde Salt Box and A Primitive Place Tammy, thank you for your nice comments about my sewing room. Anyway this is it! I still have to do the finishing touches and I am having a cutting table made for me by a friend. I will post more pictures when it is finished.

New sewing room 13 feet by 10 feet. I re-did one of the spare bedrooms. I haven't put the electrical covers on yet or done any finishing touches. Everyone kept asking me for pictures, so here it is so far. I painted the walls a caramel apple color and DH and I put in a new floor.

This is a braided rug that I got for the floor that will go in front of my cutting table.

DH took out the clothes rail and put in three shelves for my fabric, etc.

Hmmmm I am just wondering how long this cupboard will stay this neat and organized??????

My sweet little "Shorty" fast asleep. DH looked after her last week while I went to Cleveland, Ohio last Thursday and Friday to pick up parts for my sewing machine. She is a real Mummy's girl, but when I am gone, she is a Daddy's girl :)

POTLUCK SUPPER AND QUILTER'S GATHERING

2011-05-04T10:27:00.003-04:00

Last night was one of our Quilter's Potluck Gatherings at Quilts and Calicos Quilt shop in Exeter. A great time was had by all. Lots of food, lots of fabric, lots of laughs and friendship.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

STITCHING SOME REDWORK

PIECING A QUILT

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA

THE "MODERN" GIRLS DOING THE DISHES :)

PIECING A QUILT

HAVING A GREAT TIME

HAPPY TO BE SEWING!

CHECKING OUT EACH OTHERS WORK


BUSY AS BEES AND SEWING UP A STORM

CUTTING FABRIC

THE FEAST

NEW FAMILY MEMBER HAS ARRIVED

2011-04-29T08:45:00.001-04:00

This is our newest family member to move into "Olde Crow Primitives". His name is "Magic". He is a gift from a very good friend of mine. Due to personal circumstances, she could no longer keep Magic. I promised her I would give him a good home for the rest of his life. He is an appendix quarter horse gelding. He arrived last night and met "Dolly" our Clydesdale mare and I think that they are starting to accept one another. I am sure they will become good pasture friends. He settled in well and is adjusting to his new home.

Magic

Magic is checking out his new surroundings

Breakfast Time

GIVEAWAY AT APP

2011-04-28T15:10:00.001-04:00

Stitchery give away at A Primitive Place

NEW FAMILY MEMBER

2011-04-26T05:56:00.001-04:00

There is going to be a new family member coming to live at OLDE CROW PRIMITIVES, but you will have to check back at the end of the week to see. I will be posting a picture of the new resident after he moves in.
Here is a hint: He has 4 legs :)

A BUSY WEEKEND!

2011-04-25T10:42:00.002-04:00

This weekend was a busy one for myself and my husband. On Saturday, we attended his Family reunion and had a great time at that. Lots of good food and wine. My husband enjoyed seeing relatives that he hadn't seen for years. On Sunday, we were invited for Easter dinner at our friends house Paul and Gillian. We had a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixins and pumpkin crumble for desert. (My favorite) We had a great time.
Also, I posted a couple of pictures of a pincushion that Gillian made for me as a gift. She knows that I love pumpkins, so she made this for me. I just love it. You can tell that she put a lot of work into it. I am busy this week painting my sewing room. I'll be putting new flooring down too. Will post pictures of the end result.

Hand made pin chushion from my friend Gillian

Prim Pumpkin Pincushion handmade by Gillian

Hostess gift basket that I made up for Paul and Gillian with my home made preserves

Appetizers

Delicious Turkey dinner with all the trimmings

Beautiful table setting

MORE HOMEMADE BREAD :)

2011-04-24T10:54:00.002-04:00


Fresh homemade bread from scratch baked in my 1925 Findlay Oval wood burning Cook stove. No bread machines for me. I am making a batch of my homemade cream of Portabello Mushroom soup for lunch and we are having it with some slices of this bread. Am I making you hungry yet?

Homemade bread fresh baked this morning

My lovely "Primitive" cupboard keep handmade by my friend Pam

One of my Easter Rabbits

EASTER BLESSINGS

2011-04-22T12:00:00.001-04:00

Easter Blessings to everyone this weekend.

HOMEMADE BREAD FOR DH

2011-04-19T11:58:00.003-04:00

Seeing that we still have snow on the ground and I can't work outside cleaning up my gardens, I decided to bake some homemade bread for DH's lunch. I also made some homemade cream of broccoli soup. We are out of firewood, and DH has gone back to the bush and collected some dry wood and he is outside splitting it now. We heat our old farmhouse with wood, and it is too cold to go without. We have been trying to conserve, but we did actually run out yesterday. So he will have a big surprise when I call him in for lunch. I just took it out of the oven 20 minutes ago and it is cooling on the rack. My kitchen smells wonderful :)

2 Loaves of homemade bread for DH

APRIL (SNOW) SHOWERS???

2011-04-18T15:29:00.001-04:00

I love snow, but I think I have seen enough. It is April 18th, and this is what we got this morning.

I can't believe I was raking my flower beds last week, and now this. The poor daffodils are out and I bet they wish they weren't.

More snow!

April 18th, 2011 It just keeps SNOWING!

SEW-A-THON

2011-04-16T20:41:00.002-04:00

Today we had a Sew-A-Thon at our friend Brenda's house. We were helping Brenda make some scarves for samples at Quilt Market in Salt Lake City, Utah that is taking place next month. This is one of her awesome patterns that she designed. Brenda will have a booth at Quilt Market this year for all of her quilting patterns. We all got together to help and we finished today around 3 p.m. A good job done. Our friend Shirley helped out also, but couldn't be here today for pictures as she was working in her Quilt store because our area was having a Quilters' shop tour. Brenda and her husband Rob, made us a delicious lunch with homemade cream of spinach soup, home made bread, homemade pizza, and a lovely desert.

Janet, Brenda, and Michelle

Linda and Michelle

Michelle and Mary

Mary and I and one of Rob's delicious homemade pizza's (We ate 2 of these)


Linda, Mary, Me, Rob, Michelle, and Sandy after enjoying a wonderful lunch

The finished product...... 53 scarves

GIVEAWAY AT PRIMITIVES"N"STITCHIN

2011-04-12T20:11:00.000-04:00

Becky is having a wonderful give away on her Blog. Please check it out. You could be the lucky winner!

http://primitivesnstitchin.blogspot.com

HANDMADE QUILTED VEST

2011-04-04T11:06:00.003-04:00

I have been a quilter for 15 years now, but have never made any quilted garments. Well here is my first! Our Quilters' Guild had a workshop on the vest, but I was in school and couldn't attend it, so a friend of mine, Mary, helped me make it. It was designed by one of our very talented members, Sandra Thomas. It was a lot of work, but well worth the effort. Thank you Mary. Mary was a great teacher. She also bakes wonderful pies.

A VERY UNIQUE GRADUATION GIFT

2011-03-30T11:14:00.000-04:00

I received this very unique graduation gift from my friend Brenda. She is an avid chicken raiser, egg collector, and quilt pattern designer. She has a flock of Rhode Island red laying hens and I received a dozen fresh eggs from her flock in a basket with a chicken card and a chicken.
Thank you Brenda!

GIVEAWAY AT APP

2011-03-26T22:58:00.001-04:00

Check out this awesome give away at A Primitive Place Magazine

SOME GOOD NEWS

2011-03-23T12:38:00.001-04:00

Today I received my final results from my College course. I received an Honours Diploma in Graphic Design. It only took 54 years to achieve this! Needless to say, I am very pleased.

SINNAMON BUNS :)

2011-03-17T14:41:00.006-04:00

SINNAMON BUNS
Sinfully Delicious!

I made this batch of cinnamon buns this morning for DH.

My first time making these, and boy were they good!
Of course, I made him share :)
I found the recipe on this Blog http://countryblossom.blogspot.com/
Thanks for Sharing Katy!

A WONDERFUL PATTERN

2011-03-14T18:58:00.001-04:00

This is a quilting pattern that a friend of mine designed. The pattern is called Angels Watching Over Me. I just got it and I am so looking forward to making it. The picture does not do it justice. It looks amazing in real life. The redwork in this quilt is amazing. My friend Brenda showed this at "Show and Tell" at our Quilters' Guild. Brenda is a pattern designer and has her own website. There is a link to her site on my sidebar to the left. Among Brenda's Quilts.

FOOD, FUN AND FRIENDS

2011-03-08T20:32:00.006-05:00

Last night was one of our dinner and sewing gatherings. Michelle was the host and she cooked us a wonderful meal with appetizers, a great main course and delicious turtle brownies for desert and fresh strawberries. I don't think I have ever seen strawberries that big in all my life. We enjoyed our dinner, then did a little sewing afterwards. We are all quilters and have been getting together at each other's homes every couple of months, for dinner and sewing and have been doing this for about five years. Thanks Michelle, it was wonderful :)

Shirley, Brenda, Linda, Mary and Janet

Turtle brownies for desert.........darn it, there goes my diet!

Having a toast to good times, good friends!
Shirley, Michelle, Linda, Mary and I

Mary and I

Turtle brownies..............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DH

2011-03-06T15:38:00.000-05:00

The other day was DH's birthday so I had this cake made special for him. I took him out to dinner to Montana's Cookhouse and we had all you can eat ribs. Needless to say, we both overate and we didn't have a piece of cake until the 11 o'clock news. The ribs were really good, but we both agreed that they were not as good as Henry's ribs. They are the best! Lots of birthday cards too from our family members. It was a great day! Happy Birthday :)

A GREAT DAY

2011-02-20T15:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a great day. My QFF's (Quilting Friends Forever) took me out for a gourmet lunch to celebrate my graduation. Unfortunately, Mary and Shirley could not be with us, but they were in our thoughts. They missed a really good time. There is a group of six of us, who regularly get together and have dinner and sewing nights at each others houses. This has been a tradition now for about five years. I am really lucky to have friends like these ladies. We always have a great time when we get together. Lunch was served at the Little Inn in Bayfield, Ontario. We enjoyed wine, soup and a delicious entre' and dessert. We were all quite full when we left, so we had to take a walk around town and visit some of the shops in this quaint little town. I think we all made some great purchases. There were some good sales on this time of year. I also received some nice cards, chocolates, and a couple of gift certificates to the Marsh Store Quilt shop that our friend Shirley owns. Shirley was working hard yesterday at her shop, that is why she couldn't be with us. Mary was enjoying a day at the spa with her daughter...........lucky Mary, we were all envious :) Thank you ladies. You really made my day!

mmmmmmmmmm Desert

Michelle

Linda


Brenda is deciding what to have for lunch.

Linda, Janet and Michelle outside of the Little Inn in Bayfield Ontario

Brenda and Janet (ME)

Cards

Flowers from DH on Valentines Day

AN INTERESTING MORNING

2011-02-18T08:32:00.004-05:00

This morning proved to be an interesting one. I went out to the barn to feed our horse and my dogs went crazy and ran under the stairs and started barking like mad. I ran over to see what the fuss was and I arrived right at the moment that a skunk was spraying them :( I have had a long shower, but I am sitting here and I can still smell it. I have to go to my College today to write my final exam. I sure hope that what I can smell is just in my nose and not on me. I sure don't want to offend anyone in class. So today is the day. My final exam and the end of my College course. DH will be cleaning up the dogs. My QFF's are taking me out for lunch tomorrow to celebrate, my graduating :)

I am really looking forward to that.

A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

2011-02-02T10:18:00.008-05:00

Wishing everyone a Happy Valentines Day!

I am hoping that spring will arrive soon. This has been a tough winter here in South Western Ontario. Another snow day from school today. We are in the midst of a wicked winter storm. I made sure I put extra bird seed out today for my birds, I could hear them all chattering in the trees. The winds are horrendous. The horse will stay in the barn today where it is nice and warm. Shorty and I will stay inside beside the woodstove keeping warm. If the groundhog's predictions are correct, spring will arrive early!

THE DOG DAYS OF WINTER

2011-01-21T05:01:00.005-05:00

A couple of pictures of my Australian Shepherds, Sydney and Louis.
They just love the snow!

Louis the Aussie

Sydney and Louis

A couple of Aussies enjoying the snow

2010-12-30T14:10:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T04:00:00.006-05:00

Wishing everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
from Olde Crow Primitives

SOME CHRISTMAS DECORATING

2010-12-18T11:47:00.012-05:00

Just a few photos of some of my Christmas Decorating. I have not finished yet, but I am off school this week, so hopefully I will finish in a day or two. I have a few more orders to do up for Christmas and then I can relax. I attended a sewing gathering last night in Exeter and we had a really nice dinner and then another one tomorrow night at my friend Brenda's house in Strathroy. We are doing a Potluck dinner and it is always just wonderful. This has become a yearly Christmas tradition. The snow has finally slowed down a little in my area. We are just getting a few flurries today. Everyone has been so pre-occupied with it lately, there has been so much.

Snowman that I made for my door.

Crow Shaker Box

Christmas Log Cabin table topper. I just finished this up this morning.

Primitive Santa

Dough Bowl featuring one of Jen's stitcheries.

Another basket that is going on my sideboard

DINNER AT THE "HOLLOW CUPBOARD"

2010-12-12T14:55:00.024-05:00

This has been one heck of a week in my area for snow. All the schools were closed for three days, including the College that I attend. In total when it was all over, we got 177 cm of snow. I mean it snowed all week and it is snowing again today. Another 20 cm expected. My DH and I had been invited to the "Hollow Cupboard" for dinner last night, and the way the weather was looking all week, I thought there may be a chance we would have to cancel. We had been looking forward to it, so a cancellation would have been a huge disappointment. It ended up that yesterday was the only day with no snow in the forecast, so yesterday afternoon we headed up to Shelburne which is a two hour drive north east of us. If you don't know about the "Hollow Cupboard", it is an online business owned by Henry and Sandie who sell the most gorgeous Primitive Smalls and Antiques on their website. We had never met Henry and Sandie until last night. Sandie hired me to manage her website a couple of months ago which is a real pleasure because I just love the things they offer up for sale. Take a peak and check it out for yourself. http://www.thehollowcupboard.com
We had an amazing time and the dinner was fabulous! Henry barbecued some ribs, which were the best we had ever tasted, and Sandie made an amazing Caesar salad and a rice dish. For desert there was a delicious homemade lemon/poppy seed cake.
There was so much to talk about, the time just flew by, but we had to leave and head for home. We had a two hour drive ahead of us and all of our critters were waiting. We had really enjoying meeting our new friends, Henry and Sandie and all of their critters too. Sandie sent me home with a bag of goodies which included some of her great smelling tart melts. Below are some pictures that Sandie took of our visit.

DH and I seated for dinner.

The dinner table was beautifully set.

Henry's delicious spare ribs.

Sandie's homemade lemon/poppy seed cake.

Caesar salad.

Mantle in the living room all decorated for Christmas.

Time to say Goodbye.

CHRISTMAS SHOW

2010-11-30T05:41:00.003-05:00

Last weekend was our Christmas show at the Church. I had a great time as always. It was so nice seeing everyone again. Thanks to all who purchased my hand mades. This picture was sent to me by someone who purchased this sign to give as a gift, but thought it would look great on her front porch with her antique sleighs. I think she was right. She ended up keeping it for herself :)

THE HEN HOUSE

2010-10-14T13:09:00.004-04:00

My friend Brenda sent me this picture this morning. She had me make a sign for her Hen House and I asked her for a picture. She is also holding one of her prize hens.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-10-10T11:14:00.011-04:00

This weekend is Thanksgiving in Canada, the weather is just gorgeous, just the right temperature (mid 70's) and sunny. The trees have turned a gorgeous color of reds, golds, and yellows. This is my favorite time of year. Harvest is in full swing in my area. You can hear combines and grain dryers going steady. DH has been out combining corn all weekend. The turkey is ready to go into the oven and the wine is chilling for our Thanksgiving dinner tonight with all of the fixins. I even went for a walk in the woods and picked a huge puff ball. I am going to include that in the menu for dinner tonight. I thought I would share some photos of some of my fall decorations.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Puff ball...this one is the size of a football

Pumpkin/Crow Harvest display

The Wicked Witch!

Primitive Scarecrow

Primitive Pumpkin Man

Fall Mums

FRIEND

2010-10-03T10:15:00.003-04:00

FRIEND

A Friend is a treasure

A Friend is someone we turn to, when our spirits need a lift.

A Friend is someone we treasure, for our friendship is a gift.

A Friend is someone who fills our lives, with beauty, joy and grace.

And make the world we live in, a better and happier place.

A NEW FAMILY MEMBER

2010-09-29T18:07:00.005-04:00

Meet the newest member of our family. Her name is "Izzy". I got her on Saturday. She was dumped off at a local Antique Shop and I told the owner I would take her and give her a home. I surprised DH with her. I told him that I got him a present. I had her hidden in the barn. Needless to say, he really liked his surprise! The two are now inseparable She is the sweetest little soul. We just love her. She has settled in really well and is getting along with our other cats. She is only about 6 weeks old. She has even grown some since Saturday.

DH and "Izzy"

One of my fall displays on my porch

BOUNTIFUL HARVEST

2010-09-11T16:42:00.007-04:00

I have almost finished all of my canning for this season. Below are some of my Chili Sauce and Cranberry/Pear Chutney. My pantry is full and so is my freezer. DH and I planted an amazing garden this year. I have never seen so many tomatoes. They had great flavor too. At least we didn't get the blight this year like we did last year. All I have to do is make some peach jam and pear jam and then I will be finished.

Last Saturday, Hayley from "Prim it Up" invited me over to her home for the afternoon. She has done an amazing job decorating her place. I just loved the colors and all of her Primitive accessories. It is nice to have someone who shares the same interest in Primitives. She gave me a great Antique Bail jar and some of her Primitive Eggs that she makes herself. Thank you Hayley, I just love it.You can check out her Blog.

http://hayley-primitup.blogspot.com/

Chili Sauce and Cranberry/Pear Chutney

Prim Eggs gifted to me from Hayley of "Prim it Up"

I even added a feather from my sister Audrey's Guinea Hen that I got when was out visiting her in British Columbia a few weeks ago. I also found the perfect bowl to display them in.

Antique Bail Jar also a gift from Hayley

THE WINNER IS

2010-09-01T06:28:00.006-04:00

I used the random generator.org to pick the winner and it was number 4

BECKYJEAN.....Congratulations!!

Please click on the sheep and email me and let me know how you would like your graphic personalized.

(the generator Max shows 100, but I did put 11 in for Max, but it switched to 100 when I copied and pasted it.)

Min: Max: Result:4Powered by RANDOM.ORG

HOME FROM A GREAT VACATION

2010-08-29T17:34:00.015-04:00

DH and I just returned home from a fabulous vacation in beautiful British Columbia. It was a short trip, but well worth it. We flew out on Monday morning and we flew back on Friday. We have not been able to go away together since our honeymoon 19 years ago because of all of our "Critters". We are lucky to have a lady who lives not too far from us who agreed to come to our place twice a day to feed and care for our "Critters". My Jack Russell Terrier is getting older so she let her stay at her place. If not for her, our vacation would not have been possible. She did a great job too.

We stayed at my sister's house. We had a great time. Her meals were fantastic. I thought the seats in the airplane had gotten smaller but I think I was bigger on the way home after all of her great meals. Thanks Karen, your dinners were delicious.

My sister Karen and her husband Allen were great hosts, they even had a family gathering on the Wednesday night with prime rib, salads, potatoes, and all the fixins. Homemade apple or strawberry rhubarb pie and ice cream for desert too. My father, my other sister Audrey, her husband and our niece and nephew were all there. It was a great time.

The next day, we went to my sister Audrey's home and got to see all of her animals and had some nice pastries and coffee. Boy, I thought I had lots of critters. She has parrots, a pea hen, chickens, roosters, goats, and two dogs. I took a few pictures of some of the critters.

My niece is great at playing the piano so she played the first song on my Blog, River flows in you by Yiruma. She played it so beautifully, my sister and I cried. It was awesome!

Myself and my two sisters went shopping to my favorite store "The Weathered Rooster".

It is my all time favorite. They have lots of Prim stuff and lots of Colonial furniture and lighting and textiles. DH and I are already looking forward to our next trip out there!

One of the goats

Guard Dog for the animals. This guy keeps all the predators such as coyotes away from all of the other animals. His name is "Jake"

A friendly face

A flock of chickens

My niece playing "River Runs in You" by Yiruma

A couple of textile runners that I got from the Weathered Rooster

A primitive pumpkin from the Weathered Rooster

AUTUMN GIVEAWAY

2010-08-20T20:37:00.006-04:00

Seeing Autumn is almost here and it is my favorite time of year, I am having a giveaway.

This giveaway is for the Autumn Logo below, handmade by me. You can use it for a Blog header, logo, or print it out for candle labels or onto fabric or whatever you like. I will personalize it just for you.

This is a one of a kind logo. You must be a follower of my Blog and comment on this post. New followers are welcome. I will draw for the winner on September 1st. It will be sent to the winner in a JPG format.

TEXTILE SWAP

2010-08-19T08:42:00.004-04:00

I really should have posted this picture last week, but my family has been going through some tough times. My Father in Law had been very ill in the hospital and sadly he passed away on Monday night. I had to write my exams for second term all through this turmoil also.

I participated in Char's Textile Swap and Julie from Dog Trot Farm was my partner and these are the items I received from her. Thank you Julie, they are just great. You are so kind. I especially love the pincushion. I am just learning hand applique, so I will use this pincushion for the special needles and pins I will need for that. I hope you like what I sent to you.

Janet

PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY, AND CAT MINT???

2010-07-24T12:35:00.007-04:00

Does anyone know what kind of herb this is?? I found it in my little herb garden this afternoon.

Our cat Sylvester decided to take a nap in my little herb garden that I have in an old laundry tub that sits on an old wash stand on my porch. It has been so hot and muggy here that he was just looking for somewhere cool.

MICHIGAN ROAD TRIP

2010-07-18T15:36:00.010-04:00

Yesterday was such a fun day. Hayley from "Prim it Up" picked me up at 8 am and we headed to Michigan for a road trip. We had never met before, but we had so much fun. We crossed the border at 9 and drove to Utica Michigan and did some shopping. After that, we headed for Holly Michigan as we were going to check out "Holly Hills Primitives". We got to Holly around noon and we had lunch in a charming little restaurant called "Bittersweet Cafe". I think the name itself drew us in. They had such wonderful selections on their menu, everything homemade.

They must have at least 10 different salad selections that were meals in themselves and lots of delicious sounding wraps and sandwiches. We both decided to have the herbed turkey sandwich on pumpernickel. What a good choice, it was delicious! It was a meal in itself....I am so glad I didn't order a salad too, I would never have been able to eat it all.

After lunch we crossed the street to "Holly Hills Primitives". Dawn, the owner greeted us as we entered. Dawn makes her customers feel right at home. Her shoppe is just wonderful, filled to the brim with primitive antiques, feed sacks and lots of handmades. I was just in awe!!! I am sure Hayley was too :)

Hayley and I found a couple of treasurers that we had both been searching for for quite some time. I found an antique rake in excellent condition. I have been looking for one of those for a couple of years. Hayley found herself a wash stand in great condition. Dawn's prices were very reasonable too. She makes some of her handmade primitives herself and the quality is excellent!

I found this prim black cat that I just had to have. After browsing the shoppe, we stepped into the cafe next door (that is attached to Dawn's shoppe) and had some cake and lemonade. The cake was delicious and the lemonade so refreshing. The lady that owns the little cafe was so nice, we all sat down and had a nice chat. We even got to meet Dawn's little grand daughter, who I was told just loves horses. I will definitely go back to Dawn's shoppe, I was really impressed. Holly Michigan is such a quaint little town too. Dawn, it was so nice to meet you and visit your shoppe.

We left Holly, then stopped at a yard sale just outside of town and we both found a couple of things there to take home. Then off do some more shopping. We drove closer to Port Huron and went to Hobby Lobby, Walmart and a couple of other shops. Supper was next, then we headed for the Border. By the time I got home, It was 11 pm. Talk about "Shop till You Drop".

I was so tired. What a great day! Thanks Hayley. It was so nice to meet you, I had an awesome time!

Janet

Antique rake that I found at "Holly Hills Primitives"

Prim Black Cat....couldn't pass this up!

Left to Right....Hayley, Dawn, and myself

Holly Hills Primitives Shoppe

NEW YORK TRIP

2010-07-12T06:31:00.003-04:00

I spent the weekend in Horseheads (Elmira) New York. I was down there Judging a Horse Show.

I just couldn't believe how beautiful it is in New York state. The show was at a fairgrounds nested in the Adirondack mountains.........gorgeous! In the morning you could see the mist just floating in the mountains. It was a long drive down there, but well worth it. The scenery was breathtaking. I headed down there on Friday afternoon and took the scenic route through some small towns. It poured rain all the way down, so heavy that my wipers could hardly keep up. I guess they really needed the rain though, as we did up here in Canada. The show was huge, horses came from all over, even Quebec and Ontario competitors came. We wrapped up at 5 p.m last night and I headed home. I couldn't believe I actually made it all the way home without having to stop. I just stopped to grab a large black coffee to keep me awake. I arrived home exhausted at 11:30 last night.

SUMMER KITCHEN

2010-06-16T19:56:00.000-04:00

I have finally finished painting my huge pantry cupboard in my summer kitchen. The Sawbuck table is also now finished. It was lots of work but I just love the outcome. DH did this summer kitchen for me last winter and just finished up 2 days before Christmas. He also built the sawbuck table and the pantry cupboard.It is off the back of my kitchen in our farmhouse.

Sawbuck table with the top stained and the legs now painted barn red and antiqued
The sawbuck table with one of the table topper quilts I made

Barn Red pantry cupboard 7 feet high

Side view with my freezer

On my freezer is the primitive wool stitchery that my sister made me last Christmas. AHHHHHSUM!

1939 Findlay Oval woodburning cookstove

Sawbuck table and Stove

SEWING GATHERING AND TRIP TO NEW YORK

2010-05-30T08:46:00.000-04:00

Well my exams for the first term of my College course are over so I had 5 of my Quilting friends over for dinner on Wednesday night. It was so hot......in the 90's and we don't have air conditioning, but we all had a great time. I made a big pan of Lasagna and garlic bread with cheese. I also made a garden salad with strawberries, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. And of course we had wine with dinner and strawberry rhubarb pie for desert or lemon cake. After dinner we all worked on one of our sewing projects.

The next morning I left for Syracuse New York as I had to Judge a horse show on Friday. It took me about six hours to get there. The show was great, and very large. I enjoyed it. I was fortunate to be able to work with some really nice people. It was a long show that started at 7 am. and finished at 9:30 pm. In the Judging world, we call that a "Marathon". I went back to my hotel room and got a good sleep and got up early the next morning and headed home. I decided to take the scenic route home, 5 and 20 instead the Interstate 90. I had a beautiful trip home with some beautiful scenery. I got to travel along the finger lakes. The small towns I went through were very quaint. I stopped at some nice shops and even some quilt shops. I went into one quilt shop in Caledonia New York, called "Chestnut Bay Quilt Shop" The shop owner was so nice, she owned some horses so we had a nice talk. I purchased a Quilt Kit for "Banner Day", a Jo Morton design. I have always liked the American themed fabrics and Quilts so now I can make one. It came with some beautiful civil war fabrics. so I will have to get that made this winter. I didn't arrive home until after 5 pm. It took me twice as long to get home as it did to get there.

The dinner table set with my crow dishes

Brenda is teaching Michelle to hand quilt

Shirley, Mary and Linda working on their projects

Brenda is hand piecing quilt blocks

Shorty taking a nap....................it is so hot!! and I have had enough of watching all those ladies sewing :)

The pattern for "Banner Day" by Jo Morton

Civil War fabrics that are in the kit.

SOME THOUGHTFUL FRIENDS

2010-05-24T10:17:00.000-04:00

I thought I would show this picture of the cards we received from some thoughtful friends after Gemini's passing. One of my favorite shoppes, "The Bayberry Shoppe" in Bayfield, ON. sent me a beautiful card with a German Glass Christmas tree horse ornament to remember her by.

There were also numerous emails. Thanks to all. It is never easy to loose a friend, but all of the support helps.

~Janet

CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT

CARDS OF SYMPATHY

DELICIOUS BROWNIES

2010-05-08T16:45:00.000-04:00

Here is a great brownie recipe. Last month I took a batch of these to one of our quilting get-togethers and everyone loved them!

BROWNIES

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1/2 Cup of Butter

8 oz. Bittersweet Chocolate

1 Cup of Flour

1/4 Cup of Cocoa

1 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

2 Cups of Sugar

3 Large Eggs

2 tsp Vanilla

Melt Chocolate with Butter.

In another bowl, combine Flour, Salt, Cocoa, and Baking Powder.

Wisk together Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla, then pour in the cooled Chocolate mixture and combine well.

Using a spatula, stir in the flour mixture and scrape into pan.

Bake until toothpick comes out clean. Top will be shiny and mixture will start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Baking time depends on the size of pan.

You can put this mixture into two 8x8 pans and it takes 30-35 minutes. I have found that if I put all the mixture into one 8x8 pan, it usually takes an hour. So it depends on how thick you would like them. I usually do them in one 8x8 pan.

Enjoy!

A VERY SAD DAY

2010-05-02T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well today I had to say goodbye to a very, very special old friend.

My horse Gemini that I have had and loved for 40 years passed away during the night. We were blessed to have had her for that long, as horses do not live to be that age. She was such a special horse, so kind and gentle. She greeted me with a nicker every morning when I went in the barn, but this morning it broke my heart to find her gone. We almost lost her 4 years ago, but with extra care and love she pulled through. She loved eating her apples every day and her special friend Sylvester the cat used to like to sleep on her back in the winter to stay warm.

Rest in Peace my friend.

We will always love and remember you.

Your family

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Gemini with DH last summer 2009

Gemini on the day she was born June 10th, 1970

Gemini and me at the Horse Show at our town Fall Fair 1981
Gemini and my sister Audrey at the Horse Show at our town Fall Fair 1981

NOW IT'S MY TURN

2010-04-25T21:14:00.000-04:00

I have seen some others post about this before, so I guess now it is my turn. I was a little upset to say the least tonight when I found a graphic that was given to me as a gift, sitting there on someone else's Blog. It would be nice if people would ask before helping themselves to other

people's things.