Buddies

Hmmm, that may be a strong word.

Sophie (or Phophie as Laurel calls her) snuggled me last night.  She wasn't pouncing my yarn ball as I stitched...so I let her sit by me.  You know what?  It was kind of nice.  Every now and then she would open her eyes and check on my progress, yawn, and pat me with her paw.  It was as if she was saying, "you still at it?  looks good, keep it up."  Besides she kept my right bun cheek warm. I even gave her a pat/pet or two.  Lots of crochet gifts left to make before Christmas time.  Thankfully, I have a little friend who will log all those treble stitch miles with me. 

What is this?   Is this me ( the "not-thrilled-about-animals" me) blogging about my pet?  Crazy times, crazy times. 

Simple, Quick, Easy- Yum!

I like my fudge fudgey (moist and chewy)...not dry.  A few years ago I found this recipe and it has become a favorite of ours.   I like to make it for our UPS Driver, The Mailman, our Newspaper Carrier, Piano Teachers, Neighbors and myself!!  We'll start with the basic recipe.  You will not believe how simple, quick, easy and yummy it will be.

Friendship Fudge

18 oz chocolate chips (I used a bag and a half)

1 can Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk

1 T vanilla

Nuts optional

Directions: Measure and dump ALL ingredients into a saucepan.  Melt together on med/low temperature. 

Meanwhile, line an 8x8 or 9x9 pan with waxed paper.  Once chocolate has melted and is a spreadable consistency- pour quickly into prepared pan.  Work fast- it thickens up again quickly.  Smooth out and put into refrigerator for to harden and cool for a couple of hours.

Take it out of the fridge, remove pan, trim rough edges off with a sharp knife. Peel off the waxed paper.  Put the "nice" squares into a parchment lined tin and give away to a lucky recipient  Eat the edges that have been trimmed off- you earned it, that was tough!

Now, get creative.  I made the fudge above by omitting the vanilla and adding raspberry extract- mm-mm.  You could use peanut butter chocolate chips (Carl's fav), mint chocolate chips, add nuts, or heath bar crumbles.  The possibilities are endless!

**Note this is very rich, one batch made two "gift-able" portions.  This keeps well when wrapped and stored in the fridge.

A welcome site

It has taken me a few days to get back on track after having been gone for the weekend.  The weather has been pretty crazy in these parts too. 

This blue sky was a welcome site this afternoon.

The kids have been begging to do some Christmas decorating.  I tend to drag my feet a bit because I am not one for clutter.  Usually by the 26th I have everything boxed up and put away (don't get me wrong, I love Christmas- but the decorations can be a bit overstimulating at times!) Alas, I couldn't hold them off any longer. Emma started stringing cranberries.

We  I drug out the big tree last night (it was tucked in the back of a fairly, ahem, disorganized closet.)  It was fun to see the girls rediscover all their decorations from years past. 

 

Hannah was so excited.  At one point I came into the room and she was wearing the tree skirt around her waist and spinning about.  I have to work up to the Christmas Tree thing.  Clean house, dishes done, lights low, music playing, yummy treats nearby.

It has to be an event you know.  Not some haphazard happening.  There is quite a bit of control to give up however, as the girls go clumping placing the ornaments on the tree.  I bit my tongue and let the top 1/3 of the tree go bare (because they couldn't reach).  And, I confess, I did a bit of rearranging after they went to bed :)

The decorations are a bit wonky this year.  I am transitioning over to bright pinks and greens from traditional red and green (yawn).  It's funny to see how your tastes change.  What I liked last year is not my favorite this year.

Pink, we are going pink this year.  Who needs rustic pine cones, or boughs of fir garland? Let's talk about shiny tinsel and fabulously bright colors.

Come back tomorrow for a "no fail" and super easy fudge recipe!