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.