Kyle's Cupcakes Continue On

I was a Girl Scout for many many years as a young girl.

And then I was scout leader as

my girls were growing up. 

That's a lot girl scout activities,

songs, badges, field trips, and of course, cookies.

I was a spokesman once for cookie sales..

This picture was in my local paper probably about 1958.

It's me as a Brownie with another junior scout publicizing the fact

that it was Girl Scout cookie time.

Well I don't organize cookie sales any more, 

but I do buy a few boxes each year. 

Everyone has their favorites, 

with thin mints being the most favorite 

followed by the Samosa, which are my personal favorites.

Now that I'm in Denver during the week

and I don't have my Stashbuster's club as my cupcake distribution center,

I am using both my daughter's lab and son-in-law's lab as the recipients of my baking. 

So in honor of the fact that the scouts in my area are taking cookie orders,

my Daughter and I made Samoa cupcakes. 

Sorry Stashbuster friends.

This cupcake has all the wonderful components of Somoas, 

milk chocolate, rich smooth caramel, 

and toasted coconut. Delicious and yummy.

If you're looking for the recipe check out Sweet Pea's Kitchen.

I'll be anxious what response I get from my cupcakes.

Should I get ready to take orders?

Maybe I'd better just keep with my current job

with frosting on the side.

Just an update on the cupcakes: 

24 cupcakes gone in 15 minutes

I'd say they were well received.

Until Next Time-

Out of the Swamp and Back Home

Last Saturday my Running Man was running his way 

through grasslands and swamps in southern Florida. 

He was particating in a 50 mile race. 

Another one of his fun weekend activities.

The race started at 6:00am (in the dark)and

he had 14.5 hours to run the course,

staying clear of creeping and slithering critters.

He started off strong and he and 3 other racers decided

that they would try to stay together as long as they could.

Ed carried some water, his Ensure,

and this horn for emergency purposes.

Kate was his crew, although she wasn't able to crew him along the trail.

So instead she waited, enjoying the sunshine and pretty scenery.

Based on some of his previous races, 

Ed planned on completing the course in about 10 hours.

So Kate settled in for a long day. Fortunately, she didn't hear

any horns sounding off in the direction of the swampy parts. 

 But these vultures were hoping for some fresh meat.

But still she waited. The day began to end.

With one last effort to get that running man to the finish

line, the sunset put on a brilliant show.

Darkness settled in and 

Kate found herself being attacked by Giant swamp mosquitoes.

She wanted to sound the horn for help!

Finally, after 13 hours and 24 minutes, 

of running through grass, 

splashing through water and

slopping through mud, the

Running man crossed the Finish line. 

 oh, wait, that was another ultra runner.

Here's Ed. He finished first in his class. M60+

He had a good race, said he even had fun, 

despite the fact that

both of his calves cramped up at the same time 

and he kept stumbling over cypress knees. 

 

He saw some gators

along the way, but none in his path. Thank goodness.

The only other problem 

was the race actually ended up being 55 miles instead of 50.

That's like another hour of running 

at the end of a very long day. 

Somebody needs to pay closer attention.

What's next?

North Carolina and the Umstead 100.

That's right another 100 mile race.

Easy peesey. Right!

Until Next Time-

Baby and Quilting - deja vu

It's been a very interesting 2 weeks.

A new job can be exciting, challenging, tiring,

and can keep you on your toes.

Hey, 

I feel like I've had this job before.

Granted it was 27 years ago, but it feels like it 

was only yesterday.

 

But now instead, I get to be the 

Nana.

But I'm still trying to balance my obligations and

my desire to quilt.

I had forgotten how broken up my day was

going to be.

My little guy is not a good napper, but I have

stayed connected with this.

My I pad, obviously something

that didn't exist way back when I did this job before.

It's helped me talk to friends, listen to music,

and watch all kinds of programs.

Have you watched the first episode of

Why Quilts Matter?

Check it out if you're a member of The Quilt Show.

My music genre has been changed to 

toddler radio, the Itsey Bitsey Spider,

the ants go marching, and the wheels on the bus!

It's funny how the words are still embedded in the 

wrinkles of my brain.

When I did this job a long time ago,
I was very strict about using nap time as quilting time.

So far I've found hand work has been my quilting outlet.

Bindings has been my start and stop

kind of project.

It feel good to grab that needle during the day.

It's my Ahhhh moment.

So I have been sewing, 

learning how to use my I pad,

but mostly giving baby kisses to those sweet baby cheeks.

Until Next Time-

Roseville Update

The Roseville Album Quilt continues
to be my go to project in the evenings.
I haven't gotten to far overall, but
I continue to stitch away bit by bit.

If you haven't seen the whole quilt here it is.

It is a pattern designed by Kim McLean of Australia.

Here are the last two blocks that I had worked on.

All the wiggly bumps along the stem were a challenge as
well as the tiny little flowers.
What am I say?
Each of these blocks is a challenge.

Here's the second block.

That actually makes 5 blocks done.

The circled block is the next one I've got cut out.

Here are the pieces laid out on the pattern sheet.

Unless you pin all those pieces down there's no way
you could keep track.
It gives me a good visual on how
the colors are working together and
if the block looks balanced.

I use a plastic overlay of the pattern for
placement of the applique pieces.
That way I don't mark of the background.

I love those tiny applique pins by Clover.
They're so tiny and better than sequin pins
because the heads are smooth and
prevent the thread from catching and pulling
so that you're not continually
unthreading the needle.
( which can be totally frustrating!)

Now it's down to business.

There is really something peaceful 

about sitting and appliqueing even 

if the pieces are small, very curvy and

there's a bazillion of them.

Until Next Time-

Get Out Your Swamp Running Shoes

Panthers, 

Gators, and

Bears, Oh, My!

If those wouldn't make you run fast,

throw in a few snakes as well.

The running man is heading off

in a new directions this weekend.

South...

to the Everglades.

He's going to running in the first

located in

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

I think this will an a very interesting? experience.

Especially when I read on line this informative

paragraph.

What do you think?

  Whistle or Air Horn
Each competitor will be given a whistle or small air horn or similar device that must be carried at all times.  If an animal is encountered that does not move out of the way, sound the device.  It may motivate the animal to move.  If not, continue to blow the whistle or use the horn in short bursts.  This signal will be considered a call for help, no matter the purpose. Race marshals on the course will respond to the signal when they hear it.  (Further details to be provided at the pre-race orientation meetings.)

Kate will be with him as kind of a crew.

They won't let other people out on the course.

So I'll get a description from her as to what it really was like.

Gators beware.

 There's a running man coming through.

Until Next Time-