Bible Sampler Block 29

 The 29th Block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is Traveling to Sinai taken from Exodus 19: 1-5 as the Israelites travel across the desert, following the cloud and the pillar of fire to meet with God at Sinai.

The block is actually named Going Around the Mountain.  It is precision pieced in concentric rounds to form the block - really not at all hard to to.

Bible Quilt Block #28

 The 28th block of The Bible Sampler is called The Red Sea Victory taken from Exodus 14:23-29.  The Israelites cross the red sea on Dry ground, but Pharaoh's army is swamped by the returning waters and lost in the sea.

The block is titled Chariot Wheel.  I precision Pieced this one - a bit tedious as the measurements weren't exact - they fell somewhere between two marked measurements on the ruler - but it came out good and that is all that matters. 

Corned Beef Casserole

 Since my husband is very Irish ( Red Hair and temper to match) I made Corned Beef for Saint Patrick's Day.  He hates Cabbage - and to be honest I'm not fond of it beyond coleslaw  so I put it in the crock pot added new potatoes and carrots - seasoned it with herbs and it was wonderful.  Since there are only the two of us there was plenty left over.  Since I can't have anything with MSG or High Fructose Corn syrup or artificial ingredients there are a lot of recipes out there that I can't use to make a casserole - SOO  It was up to me to come up with a MF (Maiden Fair) approved recipe which I will share with you.

Corned Beef Casserole

2 cups chopped cooked Corned Beef

2 cups dry macaroni - I used elbow, but any other type would work.

3 TBS flour

1 cup water

1-2 tsp broth base - I use Orrington Farms Chicken Broth Base

1 cup Milk - I use Lactaid Milk Products as I can't have regular milk  but you can use any form of milk

1 can cut green beans or equivalent of fresh cooked green beans - or any other vegie you choose

1/2 - 1 cup shredded Cheddar Cheese - I use Sharp as it has little if any Lactose

Add the macaroni to boiling water and cook for 8 - 10 minutes - drain and rinse in hot water.

Meanwhile add flour to a  small amount of milk and mix to a smooth paste.  Gradually add remaining milk and water with broth.  Bring to a boil over medium high heat - stirring constantly.  When thickened add the cheese and stir until melted.  Remove from heat.  

Drain the green beans and add to the sauce.  Add the macaroni and mix until all is coated.  

Pour into a 2 qt casserole dish or a 9-in square baking pan.  You can use any topping of your choice - potato chips crushed, buttered bread crumbs, crotons - entirely up to you.

Place in a preheated 350 degree F  Oven and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.  

I like to serve with fresh dinner rolls or fresh muffins.

Bible Sampler Block 27

 Block 27 of my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled The Protecting Cloud from Exodus 14:19-22.  The cloud that was fire and darkness to lead the Hebrews, but also stood between them and Pharaoh's Army at the Red Sea.

 The Block Name is Left & Right. 

Bible Sampler Quilt Block 26

 Block 26 of my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Chariots in Pursuit from Exodus 14:5-9.  The story of the Hebrews leaving Egypt and Pharaoh having a change of heart and sending all his chariots and the army after them. 

 The name of the block is Army Star.  Some of it I paper-pieced and some I just precision Pieced.  

Bible Sampler Block # 25

 Block 25 of the Bible Sampler by Laurie Aaron Hird is the Promise of Canaan from Exodus 6:2-8.

The block name is Heritage Quilt.  Since I am somewhat diagonally challenged this block was a little difficult for me. But it is Done!

February Book List & Eagle

 Well, it was February - really cold, lots of snow and I proceeded to injure my back so I was down for a few days - a great time to read!!  So I did!

My reading list for the month basically included a lot of my old favorite authors:

Riviera Gold by Laurie R King (I love her Sherlock Homes and Mary Russell books - although several of her stand alone books are great) 

Lost and Found by Jayne Ann Krantz (another favorite author. This book is from her Fogg Lake Trilogy)

Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton (Part of my all time favorite Fantasy series.)

Journey of the Pharaohs by Clive Cussler (I have yet to go wrong with a Clive Cussler Story)

Mystery of the Minster by Susannah Gregory (Medieval mystery at it's best)

The Crown Jewel by Charles Veley (book 4 in the Lucy and Sherlock Series)

The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod (book 3 in the Bittershorn & Kittering series - so much fun to read)

Nighthawk by Clive Cussler (More Cussler - I just can't stay away from him.)

I have searched all winter long for an Eagle.  They normally roost here in December and early to Mid January, but this year I saw nothing.  I realize I probable wasn't out and about as much because of the Pandemic, but I've always seen them around the church and on the road to town, but not this year.  Finally, my friend and I were driving to Kewanee a couple of weeks ago and one flew across the road ahead of us.  Of course no Camera!!  Then last Wednesday Hubby and I were pulling out of the driveway and one flew over our house!!  Of course no Camera!!  Later that same day we saw one flying over the road as we drove downtown.  Then yesterday driving home from Bible Class I saw 3 in the field at the end of the road.  Of Course no Camera!!  So I drove home, grabbed my camera and the big telephoto lens and hurried back - and guess what!! They were still there.  Got some good, some so so shots and some real duds, but at least I saw them - now if only I'd see a robin!!

Anyway here is a sampling of what I captured!!