2013, What a Year!

What a wonderful year 2013 was.

I got into making mug rugs and could not stop myself. I loved making and giving them away.

I made a few quilt tops and actually machine quilted a couple.

This past Autumn, I was inspired by a little boy whose mom was worried about his inability to speak. One day, and I'm not sure about the entire thing, he heard Katy Perry's "Roar" on TV or radio and he began to listen and sing to it. Needless to say, his mom was over the moon about it.

I heard about this on TV and was overwhelmed and of course cried like a baby because I thought we don't know what can touch or help another person...and wasn't it great that a song could awaken a child and give a family hope.

I decided to put Katy's song to my 2013 slide show. I hope you enjoy the show.

Who knows what I'll get into in

2014!!

The Rub

I know you were probably thinking I was about to complain about something

but

Nope!

Above are the seasonings I use when cooking pork ribs.

I decided a couple of years ago that I would not cook a large meal for Christmas right after that gigantic Thanksgiving dinner.

Pork ribs are a great way to keep the pounds from piling on.

I use a dry rub which can be applied and left to marinate over night in the frig or just before the ribs go into the oven.

I have a large baking pan with a rack. I pour a bottle of beer or a cup of wine into the pan along with a half cup of water, some vinegar and orange juice......I know this all sounds very strange but you can use whatever you think would flavor the ribs.

Place rubbed ribs onto rack, tent with foil and place in a pre-heated over of 325 degrees for about 3 hours. 

Yummy and falling off the bone nearly!!

From My Garden-Pattern

Did it! Whew!!

Here's the last design pattern. Hopefully, during the holidays, I'll be able to fix my uploading woos. Cross your fingers everyone.

If you're looking for the rest of the story just scan down the next couple of posts. There's a great recipe using fresh cucumbers in one of them.
Take care everyone!!

From My Garden-BOW and Challenge

Cucumber

is the last block of

From My Garden!!

 

 

 

If you are wondering where the photo and designs are.... I don't know why they won't load but I was able to post photos in the previous post this morning. I'll attempt to post the pattern a little later. Please bear with me in this trying process.

 

Of course, I've had fun coming up with blocks and finding tasty recipes.
With the cucumber as the last block I've decided to go a step further.
I'm challenging those of you who have participated or those of you are going to participate in making all the blocks to arrange and make a quilt From My Garden blocks.  There will be a give away
May 1, 2014 for the quilt that has the most votes from the bloggers who visit my blog.
I will have more information during the first couple of months in the new year about the "big" prize for the winner.

Cucumber Salsa

by Food Network

Ingredients

• 1 mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup peeled, diced cucumber
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped jalapeno
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/3 cup roughly chopped cilantro leaves
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Combine the mango, cucumber, jalapeno, red onion, lime juice and cilantro leaves and mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

From My Garden Problems

Hi there everyone! Hope all is going well for you. It's not for me. I haven't been able to post photos lately so I'm trying this method from my phone. If it works I'll feel a bit better😳

Cucumber is the last block. I haven't figured out a way to post the pattern yet but I'll think of something.

Here's a look at all the blocks!

From My Garden-BOW

 

Fresh Green Beans

 

We're almost done with "From My Garden"....just one more block with a little surprise next week.

Stay tuned!!

 

 Watch this wonderful and quick recipe for fresh green beans...YUM!

Words of Encouragement

Your words of encouragement really warmed my heart and boosted my will to continue making and sharing mug rugs.
I really wanted to but was unsure of what I'd make for 2014.  After reading all the warm comments ideas started to ping pong around in my head.
I took some meds to stop the headache and have gotten to work sketching out some ideas.
I can hardly wait for the new year to get here.
Thank you, everyone, for playing along each week. I hope everyone has a great December!! 

Final Mug Rug Winner for 2013

The winner of

"Dancing Santa"

is

 

Vicki H.

Congratulations to you.

Just leave a comment so that we can communicate via email.

 

As I stated in an earlier post, this is the last mug rug for 2013.

I have totally enjoyed making and sharing them.

I'd love to continue doing so in 2014.

What do you think??

Really, I'd like your opinion, please!!

From My Garden-BOW

Oh boy, this one is a tuff one......so tuff that I left out some kernels ......

 hehehehehehe ......

.don't you think that adds character to this block?

 

Fresh Corn Salad

From The Food Network

Ingredients

• 5 ears of corn, shucked
• 1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until the starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse it in ice water to stop the cooking and to set the color. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob, cutting close to the cob.
Toss the kernels in a large bowl with the red onions, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Taste for seasonings and serve cold or at room temperature.