Autograph Books

Tho I have looked at these little books many, many times 

it still makes me smile as I go thru them. 

They belonged to my mom and a time when you remembered people from school

 with words and not selfies or professional class pictures. 

Here is a sampling of what's inside this priceless book.

Enjoy!

Steamed Chocolate Pudding~~AKA Bossie Cow Pudding

We celebrated with family yesterday. 

Father's Day, birthdays, the announcement that that the new grand baby will be a boy, 

early fireworks etc .

What a lovely day.

Of course it's always lovely to be surrounded by people you love.

The birthday request for dessert was a family recipe of mine called Bossie Cow Pudding.

 however it's not for everyone according to my 5 sons. 

Only one of them likes it and I'm not sure what's wrong with the rest of them! 

Tho my smart DIL's and my son's amazing girlfriend love it as much as I do. 

Last night after trying it for the first time Zoe's mom said it was like a chocolate hug! 

Yes it is!

~~~The name~~~

When my dad was very young and his family was having it for dessert he christened it Bossie Cow Pudding. You see, one of the ingredients for the  sauce ( starting to drool ) that is poured over the cake is evaporated milk and since there was a cow on the can of  Pet Milk

 ...ta da ...the name stuck 

I don't make this decadent dessert very often since it's one of those things I could eat ALL day long. 

If you're interested in the recipe let me know. 

I'd be happy to share the "Chocolate Hug" with you!

Kate Spain

Below is an excerpt from Kate Spain's email update that I received today. She also has an interesting blog that you can check out. 
I encourage you to visit Kate's site to read and see all the beautiful things she shares with her readers.

"Look at this astounding English rose display in Southport, CT — just a town over from where we live. This was so amazing because all these roses were planted in a very narrow 16" road-front garden. A good reminder that you can do so much with not a whole lot of space. If you're local and want to have a look at this, it's on Harbor Road across from Pequot Yacht Club. I love the carefree, unstructured look to these roses. Their color and fragrance were a beautiful treat to savor!"

                                                                 Kate Spain

I was just thinking back to a train ride I had last year in Germany. I was awed by the beautiful gardens and flowers that people had in their yards in very small spaces. It inspired me to try it in my yard and it works beautifully!  
                                I love how Kate describes it as carefree and unstructured....
                                                    that's the look I always strive for!

Panera Chocolate Pastry

I had lunch with a friend at Panera yesterday and since they were offering me a free pastry how could I say no. AND it was my last day of total silence and solitude til my husband and son arrive home tomorrow from a fishing trip in Canada.
Now don't get me wrong I love them both dearly but I look forward each year to "by myself time".

I sat with my pastry and coffee this morning and remembered waking up in Paris last year ,walking to the pastry shop down the street to pick out something delectable to enjoy.  

What a memory!

Organizing

I'm not sure how 2 people can occupy a 2000 + sq ft house and not have room to put things away? Just when I think I am making progress cleaning out and cleaning up I find more areas that have things that we simply don't need anymore. 

How does it happen that I have cleaning supplies x 3 of the same product? 

Why does dear husband have 3 + cans of WD 40? 

Can I say lack of organization! 

The dear man is not going to be happy about all this work I have planned for us when he gets back from his fishing trip!

Let the organization begin!

Patty's Popcorn ~~ Hyde Park Square, Cincinnati, Ohio

It was sensory overload when Miss Susie took me to this store. 

The popcorn is wonderful and if you're in the area you should definitely plan on stopping by. 

 Beside the popcorn they are stocked with old fashioned candy and treats!

I dare you to try and not smile as you take it all in!

You can even sample the popcorn before you purchase it! 

How smart is that?!?

http://pattyspopcorn.com/Home

Laduree--French Macaron

I have been thinking about my time in Paris last year...sigh....and of all the wonderful things Paris has to offer...... the macaron being one of them. Thinking this would be a wonderful project for me I thought I would make a batch and see how they turned out.

I googled and googled for recipes and I came up with several. 

One being Martha Stewart and then I stumbled across this blog with "the" recipe. 

I do believe I will give this one a try because I adore the name for her blog. 

And someone who would purchase them with her hubby and go to 

the Eiffel Tower to eat them together is a girl after my own heart. 

Her suggestion to pray they turn out is something I will definitely do!

http://abitofbeesknees.blogspot.com/2014/01/laduree-french-macaron-recipe.html

Soda--Classic Brands

I love this collection of soda bottles!

How creative!

Bug Barf being my favorite

...hey come on....

I'm the mother of 5 sons!

Squirrel-Crazy Little Guy

I was looking out my patio door and contemplating the huge amount of work that needed to be done this year.
Then this cute little squirrel climbed into my planter box right outside the door and was trying very hard to get to my tomato plants....that were inside the house. 

Since pawing at the glass didn't accomplish anything it decided to crawl back down the screen the proceeds to stare at me thru the window. 

Such a cutie!

Vintage Cloisanne Compacts

Kindle DIL has given me some of the prettiest vintage things over the years 

Not many people see them because I keep these compacts in my bedroom.

Here they are for you to enjoy!

Do you think they might send me a new puff if ask for one!?!

Hibiscus Tea ~ Flor de Jamaica

On my last trip to visit friends in Indiana I was treated to some delicious tea. 

It can be served hot or cold but no matter how it's served it was incredibly delicious. 

It was a deep dark red color and tasted of

......well I don't know....

like something I have never had before and can hardly wait to have again. 

Vintage Wood Wagon

Friend Chris found this gem when she and Mike were going through an old building on their farm. 

I am all colors of the rainbow jealous! but in the same breath so excited for her. 

I can't wait to see what she does with it! 

Northrup King & Co. Vintage Sweet Pea Seeds

Yet another fun gift from Kindle DIL.

 A sealed package of Sweet Pea seeds....

dated 1935!

Louie

I wanted to share a precious picture that friend Susie sent me of her "grand-dog".

You're so cute Louie!

Hellmann's Mayonaise

I found this clipping in one of my mother's cookbooks a while back and I wanted to share it with you. She always dated things and for years I didn't "get it" but then I started dating recipes as well. It's fun to look back and remember people you knew way back when, I promise there will be times when you look at the date and say to yourself.....No Way can it be that long ago I got this recipe from, Celine, Linda, Rae, or Heather,  or sister Judy or....from my mom.
I love all the recipes I have gotten over the years from family and friends....who are actually one in the same for me. 
I have never made this potato salad recipe but I think that I will now have to try it this summer.