Grandma, I'm a litte grumpy ....

It's OK to be tired. Riley (age 8) came home from overnight camp and said, "Grandma, I'm a little grumpy.." . What he meant was he was so tired that he was a little grumpy. I feel the same way today. Nothing is going as planned. I'm still trying to get my house in order after renovations. Every time I think I've got a mess cleaned up, a room straightened and ready to clean, something else comes up. Today, for instance, I took something to the walkout attic to store it and found evidence of a mouse's visit!!! YIKKEEESSSS! I hate mice!!! I'm just thankful that I didn't find the mouse! So, instead of cleaning downstairs (once and for all!), I took everything out of the attic, went to Dollar General to buy lots of plastic storage tubs then spent hours packing them and returning everything to the attic!! WHEW! I'm so tired, I'm a little grumpy, too!!!

The Lord Provides and We Divide

Our neighbor down the road has a big garden. Proudly, at least once a week, she proclaims "The Lord provides and we divide"! And with those words we become the lucky recipients of fresh squash or corn or beans or cucumbers or whatever is in abundance from her garden on that day. In return, I share my meagar offering of cherry tomatoes or hot off the stove Squash Fritters. What a wonderful system!

Real life is like that. Those with abundance and blessings share with others. Maybe its just a kind word, a simple prayer, a smile to a passing stranger. Maybe, in this day and time, its a job lead or networking to connect people in need with people in the "know". The Lord provides and if we divide those blessings they will come back to us in multiples in ways we don't expect.

Look for ways to share. You will be blessed. Those with whom you share will be blessed. Be willing to accept from others. It's God's plan.

It's Blueberry Time in the Mountains!

Lemon Tart with Blueberries
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

2/3 cup powdered sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon peel

2 cups blueberries

1 cup whipping cream, whipped to soft peaks

Preheat oven to 350°F .
Combine flour, butter, powdered sugar and salt in a food processor. Pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. (Or use a pastry cutter as you would when preparing a pie crust.)
Turn out into a 10-inch tart pan. Press even onto bottom and sides of pan to form a uniform crust. Bake until crust begins to appear dry, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice and lemon zest in a large bowl. Pour into warm, baked tart shell. Continue baking for 20 minutes, or until filling has set. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
Serve tart topped with blueberries and whipped cream.
Makes 10 servings.

Aunt Ruth's Squash Fritters

The first time I made these, my husband ate 12!

Need I say anymore???

Aunt Ruth's Yellow Squash Fritters

2 cups chopped yellow squash
1 cup chopped onion
1 egg
½ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ to ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Oil for frying

Combine all ingredients and stir until moistened. Heat oil in a large frying pan.
Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, drain on paper towels and serve while hot.

Revelation 3:8

"I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn't deny me when times were rough.

One Door Closes .... Another Opens

This came to me today via e-mail from one of my "oldest" and dearest friends. I thought it well worth sharing as many of us are going through uncharted waters.

Revelations 3:8

When God leads you to the edge of the cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only 1 of 2 things will happen, either He'll catch you when you fall, or He'll teach you how to fly! The power of one sentence! God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

Have a blessed day and remember to be a blessing...

Wine Babes PS

All 3 of these "babes" sold in less than 2 hours at the Classic Swan!
Let me get more wine glasses to paint on and get busy!!

Wine Babes

My newest creation... Ok, I found them on a website, but mine look nothing like the other ones! Of course, mine are much cuter!! LOL!!!

Hope you like them. They're going in the Classic Swan Gift Shop in Murphy (I hope, if Judi likes them, too!) and for auction on Aug 8. to benefit the Murphy Library. I'll also take orders for personalized ones!

Ahhh... the sweet taste of summer!

GRAPE TOMATO “SALAD”

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 pints grape tomatoes
6 green onions, sliced
2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (Do NOT use dried basil!)

Add olive oil to a large skillet. Place over medium heat. Add garlic, tomatoes, onions, and cook until tomato skins burst. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. Toss and serve immediately. Yield: 4 servings

Start off July 4th picnic with a BANG recipe!

SHRIMP CORN SALSA

1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3/4 pound medium shrimp (can be frozen), peeled and chopped
1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1/3 cup Vidalia onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, cubed

Combine ingredients and refrigerate several hours or overnight. Serve with scoops or pita chips.