Bible Sampler Block 36

 This week's block is called Elijah and the Chariot of Fire:

The Story of Elijah being taken into heaven in the chariot of fire as his assistant watched.  It is taken from II Kings 26:8-11.

The Title of the block is called Whirlwind.

Bible Sampler Block 35

 This week's story is called the Queen's Visit:

It is from I Kings 16:1-2 & 6-9.  This is the story of the visit of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon and his Court.  We don't know for sure where she came from or who she was, but she was wealthy, but even her wealth was small when compared to the glories of Solomon's court and she was amazed at his wisdom and power.

The name of the block is Queen's Treasure.

Bible Sampler Block 34

 

Block 34 is called King David's Crown.  It is from 2 Samuel 12:26-30.  This block was partially paper-pieced and partially precision pieced - not quite as simple as it looks.  The block name is also King David's Crown.

April Book List

 Today is the day for the listing of the books I read in April.  14 books seems like a lot - must have been a boring, dismal time.

All the Colors of the Night by Jayne Ann Krantz  - the second book in her Fogg Lake series - fun read.

 Fellowship of Fear by Aaron Ellkins This is the first adventure of Gideon Oliver - the Skeleton Detective.  Great stories 

In the Balance by Patricia Wentworth.  This is the 4th book in the Miss Silvers series.  Written in the 30's through the 50's they are wonderful mysteries with a touch of romance.

Trouble in the Town Hall  by Jeanne M. Dame  Continuation of the story of an American resettled in England and she's found another body.  Just a fun read.

Something the Cat Dragged In Charlotte McCloud - the fourth book in the Peter Shanty series.  A fun, funny read.

The Dark Place by Aaron Elkins  The 2nd book in the Dr Oliver series.

Saltwater Cove by Amelia Addler  This book made no lasting impression on me so I will probably not be reading anymore in the series.

Eye of the beholder by Jayne Ann Krantz  Another of her mystery, fantasy, romance adventures.  Always a fun read.

Divine Wedding by Hope Callaghan  Book 7 in the Divine Cozy Mystery series.  Great Stories about people at a half-way farm getting their lives back together.

Murder at High Tide by Lee Strauss  First book in the Rosa Ross Series.  Set in 1956 Southern California.  Not highly impressed and probably will not continue to read the series.

A Bias for Murder by Sally Goldblum  I've read several in this series and have decided there are more fun and/or interesting books out there for me.

Deep Blue Surrender by Robin Mahle   A story about a middle aged woman starting over again in life as a private detective.  

The Tombs by Clive Cussler - #4 in the Fargo series.  High adventure, exotic places and an  ALMOST believable story line are all the hallmarks of a Cussler adventure - I love them.

Chocolate Hearts & Murder by Patti Larson  #2 in her B & B Series.  Not as good as the first entry, but enough that I may try the third.  

Bible Sampler Block 33

 

This block represents the story of David and Goliath - the Giant and the boy from I Samuel 17:23-24 & 41-46,  The block was fairly easy to construct.  The actual name of the block is also David and Goliath.

Bible Sampler Quilt Block 32

 Block 32 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Conquering Jericho from Joshua 6:1-5 & 20.  It tells of God's instructions which they carried out perfectly and how they took Jericho without using one of their weapons and saved Rahab and her family.  But you need to read it to get the entire story.

 The block name is Ruins of Jericho and once I calculated how big the squares had to be, it went together fairly easily.  HST, a square in a square and some strips.  

I completed a couple other small projects this week - 

This is a mug rug and designed for my daughter to include in her Birthday Gift - I really liked the way it turned out.  

I seem to be back into Rainbows again this spring.  This is a door/wall hanging with your storm cloud with a bright lining.  I love rainbows and they symbolize hope and renewal along with butterflies!!  This went to my Granddaughter as she moved into her first apartment.

 

Bible Sampler Block 31

 Bible Sampler block 31 is titled Abounding in Prosperity and comes from Deuteronomy 28:7-12.  It tells the Hebrews what will come their way if the follow God and obey His Precepts and don't make the mistake of following the gods of the land.  

The name of this block is Borrow and Lend.  This wasn't difficult to put together - just making sure everything was heading in the correct direction.  This sometimes for me can be a little tedious.  I think I only turned one piece the wrong way.  

Bible Sampler Block 30

 The 30th Block of the Bible Sampler Quilt is called the Lord on Mt. Sinai from Exodus 19:10-11, 16-20.  This tells how the Israelites met with God at Sinai - through Thunder and Lightening, smoke and fire.

The name of the block is Thunder & Lightning.  It really wasn't difficult to piece - a Square in a square, 4 flying Geese and 24 Half Square Triangles.  The interesting part was getting all the HSTs going in the correct direction.  A design wall really helps.

March Book List

 For some reason I spent a lot of time reading in March.  Of course I didn't get a whole lot else done - couldn't seem to get really into my quilting or any of the other projects I have on the back burner, just wanted to read.  So here goes with the list;

The Promise Girls by Marie Boswick  I always enjoy her books, they are always uplifting and inspiring.

Silversword by Phyllis Whitney  A favorite author from the past that I have rediscovered.

Michigan Mayhem by Hope Callaghan.  The next installment of the Garden Girls.

Tattered and Torn by Carol Dean Jones.  I really enjoy this series of Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Body in the Transom by Jeanne Damn  A new to me series, set in a small English Village with a retired  American Heroine. 

Mayan Secrets by Clive Cussler  More of Cussler - some day I may run out of new reads by him, but probably not any time soon.

Bed & Breakfast & Murder by Patti Larson.  Another New to me series - a cozy mystery set in a B&B  a fun read.

Light & Shadow by Jayne Ann Krantz - a fun romantic suspense novel.

Left Holding the Bag by Carol Dean Jones - The next episode of the Cozy Quilt Mysteries.

Rainbows in the Mist by Phyllis Whitney

Daylight by David Baldecci  Book 3 in the Atlee Pine Series - One of my favorite authors.

Curses by Aaron Elkins - One of the Series about Anthropologist Gideon Oliver.

Truth or Dare Jayne Ann Krantz  The Sequel to Light & Shadow.

Aunt Dimity Digs In by Nancy Atherton  I love this series of fun, light mysteries with a fantasy sidelight.  

Besides reading over a dozen books in March I also put together a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle - pieces were weird shaped and it was definitely a challenge - but I did get it done.

 

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!!

Bible Sampler Block #24

 The 24th Block for my Bible Sampler Quilt is titled Burdens of the Hebrews.  The story of the bricks they had to make for the Egyptians.  The story is taken from Exodus 5:2-3.

The name of the block is Brick Pile which is so appropriate to the story.

 

Week 23 Bible Sampler Block

 Well today started off pretty well.  My Back wasn't aching, It wasn't snowing and the temperature was above 0 F.  Then I tried to cook my eggs for breakfast and accidently turned the wrong burner on - that wouldn't have been so bad except there was a plastic coffee container (full of garbage) sitting on that burner.  I walked away to do something else - and guess what - I came back to melted plastic, a kitchen full of smoke and fumes and a disaster to clean up.  Thankfully it hadn't ignited yet - just melted.  Thank goodness for windows that open and stove fans that work and all is well!!  I did get my eggs cooked, my coffee made and my breakfast into me.  Just please don't tell my husband!!

I have completed block 23 of my Bible Sampler Block.  The story for today is entitled Treasures From the Egyptians taken from Exodus 3:8B - 22.  The Lord tells Moses that when the people are ready to leave Egypt they are to ask for gifts from the people, gold, silver fine cloth and clothing.   

The title of this block is Bright Jewel.  I had an interesting time as the pattern is either for paper-piecing or templates.  I don't like templates and while I like paper-piecing it just wasn't what I wanted for this block.  It is  6 1/2" block and the units turn out to be an unusual number so I had to figure all the measurements and put them together.  It actually was fun and not as difficult as I thought - 4 Quarter Square Triangles made into 4 square in a square and sashed with a corner stone.  Was pleased with the result.

Weekly report

It has been a week of snow, cold, and drifts.  Just when we think we can get out of here (I live in the country at the bottom of a hill)  it snows again.  Never a lot of snow - we rarely get the 12-24 inches, but 1-3 of light fluffy with a wind behind it is enough to make our roads impassable.  Add that the the 3 Ice storms from earlier in the month which hasn't melted and I tell you it is dangerous out there.  Now we are under a 3 day wind chill advisory and today the temps won't get above 0.  So guess what,  I'm staying home again!!

At any rate This is my second week of 15 minutes to stitch in 2021 - I got a late start since I didn't find this cool thing until last week.

• 15 minute days/week = 7/7 days
• 15 minute days/Feb = 14/14 days
• 15 minute days/2021 = 14/14 days
• Success rate = 100%

 To do list for the Week of February 6-13:

1) Quilt on the Stars Around the Garden UFO - Worked on it 4 days this week.

2) Work on Big  Bird from Sesame Street Quilt - Completed Big Bird 

3) Block 22 For Bible Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird - Completed Block 22

4) Start Hearts and Kisses Baby Quilt - Started this quilt 

5) Work on Sophia's Garden Blocks - Worked on Block 20 - almost done.

6) Work on National Day Quilt Blocks - got 8 blocks quilted & labeled and 1 block nearly done.

To do list for week of Feb 14 - 20:

1) Work on Quilting for Garden Quilt

2) Finish last of Sophia Blocks

3) Start Fozzie Bear  Block

4) 8 Hearts & Hugs Blocks

5) Quilt 4 more National Blocks

6)Block 23 of Bible sampler quilt

Week 22 Bible Sampler Quilt

 Week 22 of the Bible Sampler Quilt is Moses in the Nile from Exodus 2:1-10.  The story of his birth, how his mother saved him from Pharaoh's death order and his rescue by the Egyptian Princess.  

The title of the block is Basket.  There are many basket blocks but I did like the way the handle was done on this one.