Fall Has Arrived!

Oh I do so LOVE this time of year.  I returned home from a quilting retreat to find that my lovely home has undergone a change.  Mister was out this morning and got some great shots of the trees in our yard.  Enjoy the eye candy.  I know I am.

Oooooh -- The Orchid is Doing Something

Mister is so excited he can barely contain himself.  The orchid is up to something.  Getting these babies to bloom again is definitely a test of patience.  We are pretty thrilled right now.  (The violets are beautiful now too.)

Bob's Bday Dinner

Our nephew's birthday was in October but for some reason it has taken us awhile to get together and treat him to a dinner out.  Since Grandma hasn't had a chance to see him in awhile, she is coming along.  We are off to Foods From Galilee and I could not be happier.

We have a great evening talking and enjoying the mediterranean food.  Oh Yum.  Happy 19th Birthday Bob.  Glad college is going so well and hope you enjoy the break over Thanksgiving.

A Magical Night at the Arboretum - 12 Days of Christmas

It is one of those times when a person is thankful for memberships at wonderful places.  The Dallas Arboretum is getting ready to launch their "12 Days of Christmas" display and we are lucky enough to get to preview it ahead of time.  It will be available to ALL who visit the Arboretum during the daytime for the next couple of months, but in order to see it lit up at night, one must have additional tickets and reservations.  We will see it many times over the course of it's stay during the day, but know that we need to take advantage of this evening preview.  Thus, as soon as Mister arrives home from work, we have a quick dinner, make some hot chocolate to put in the thermos and are off.

It is about 6:15 when we arrive and it is already dark.  Thank you time change.  The grounds are alive with activity and the gazebos for the "days" are scattered here and there throughout the gardens.  It is indeed magical and beautiful.

This is our second trip to the gardens at night.  We were here for the Chihuly exhibit (link will take you to that post) and loved being here after dark.  We know the place well and are able to wander happily through the areas that we love.  Are  you ready for 12 days?  Let's go.

A Day With Mister - McKinney

I woke early this morning and since it is Saturday, tried to creep quietly out of the bedroom to let Mister get a chance to sleep in.  A few minutes later, he walks into the office and says that he wants to spend the day with his Sweetie.  Ah, gotta love this man.  I had mentioned an estate sale in McKinney earlier in the week and today is the last day for it.  He has remembered and asks if I want to see if anything is left.  Heck yeah.  After a quick search, I locate a couple more sales in the same area and we are off.

I absolutely love this little city.  When we arrive at the sale, most of the sewing items are already sold, but there is a ton of fabric.  Everyone would be so proud of me -- I walked away from it all.  I have a ton of my own to use up.  I do spot a scooter in the garage though and Mister comes along to help me check it out for his mother.  Yep -- we make the purchase and move onto the next sale where we find a light for Mister to use in the studio while working on machines.  The last sale is a bust but now we are free to explore McKinney for awhile.  First stop is the Farmer's Market.  I love this little market as it "feels" like a farmer's market should.  It is in a cute little historic area of the city and has music, face painting, and much more.

Baking Day - The Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever!

 I have been so caught up lately with sewing that I feel Mister needs some attention in the form of food.  I am so hoping when he arrives home from work today his face will light up when the aroma of my kitchen hits.  That's the plan anyway.  I am making both Cream Cheese Cinnamon Roll AND some Muffin Bread.  I have posted the recipe for the bread before and it can be found here.

As for the cinnamon rolls, here we go.

Start with 1 pkg. yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp.) and put it in the bowl of a standing mixer.  Add 1/2 tsp. sugar and 1/4 cup water heated to 115°, stir to combine and let sit until foamy, about 10 minutes.




While waiting, gather the remaining ingredients:  1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup milk (at room temperature), 2 tsp. light brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, 1 egg, and 1 egg yolk.

 Add to the yeast mixture and beat on low speed until thoroughly combined, about a minute.  Turn mixer off and add 2 3/4 cups flour, and 3/4 tsp. salt.

Loy Krathong Festival

Mister and I were searching for a weekend activity and discovered that the Buddhist Temple is doing a Loy Krathong event today.  Another name for this is the Festival of Lights.  The word Loy means to float and a krathong is a floating object for that holiday.  As we arrive, tables are covered with krathongs made from crepe paper, resembling a lotus flower, and each containing a single candle and some incense sticks.  It is late afternoon and as we walk up, the parade is in full swing.   We locate a spot off to the side and watch as it goes by.  I LOVE the clothing and and money trees.  What a great opening.