This post is dedicated to my sister in law Lynn Steeples . She passed away after a long and brave fight with cancer.Lynn was a strong woman, dedicated to her family and friends. A loving caring and nurturing mother of two beautiful daughters,who will now have to face life's struggles with her,a loving and supportive wife as well,her family will take each day slowly. Lynn worked as a nurse caring for many people, she love to help and nurture others in need and for that we think her. We will miss you everyday my sister but we will remember you like this.....

Remember me when flowers bloom early in the spring. Remember me on sunny days in the fun that summer brings . Remember me in the fall as you walk through the leaves of gold and in winter times remember me in stories that are told. The most of all remember me each day right from the start ,I will be forever near for I will live in your heart.

Lynn Wilbur/Steeples
1958-2015

Happy holidays everyone! Wow can't believe it is all over . it comes and goes so quick. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I've been usy like most of you ,and wanted to let you know I'm in a new store up in the Adirondacks.

 what a quaint little store nestled in the pines.

It is a must see,they have all handmade in USA products.

From yummy marinades to candles and if you have a sweet tooth a room full of tastey treats

Even upstairs has cozy goodies for your home and home made olive oils for your gourmet treats. Along with soup mixes and they will do gift baskets!!

If your out on a road trip stop in and visit my friend Lisa will be happy to help you !

They are located just before Old Forge NY,in Thendara NY. Hope you stop by you'll love it!!

WOW !! where have I been ..lol I've been M.I.A. . Well I could say it was due to me  hitting the lottery and I'm traveling the world ,but sad to say  that's not the case  :(
I have real busy with work ,life and creating ! We did do alot of camping this summer ,but nothing worldly.... lol  So much to catch up on ,we are dealing with new kitties in the house

,our poor Fluffly had past on and the house was a bit lonely .So we came up with the bright idea of getting two kitties to replace the empty stop in our lives .

 WHAT were we thinking ..lol  the youngins are giving us a run for our money into everything ,and i mean everything !! Well we can't say we are not busy that is for sure .
The Christmas season is upon us and all is decorated and ready for the big man to come,hope you were all good this year .  I so miss having little ones around the house during this time of year .

 Well one of the projects I have been busy with is making a new quilt for our bed what a job ,this is the first time I have made a queen size quilt ,360 squares and still sewing ..lol
This is going to be the side project for the winter that is for sure .
I have also started doing my leather crafts again ,Oh how i enjoy it .This time I have mixed the two  leather and my jewelry ,I'm loving the effect !

Well there is the  quick update and I'll try to keep up with my posts so much to do so little time .
Enjoy life !!

Happy Monday all !
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter ,it was a quite one around the old Wilbur house hold .We did the usual Easter feast with all the trimmings .We also went out and got an old family tradition and bought the butter lamb !

isn't he cute !! we didn't have the heart to use him ,so he just sat there as the center of our table ,unfortunately he will be on the menu today ...RUN!!!
So it is back to the work week for me and time to get my butt in gear with some new things .I posted my dollies on facebook yesterday and they were a big hit with all the girls ,I even got an order for some ,didn't expect that ,but it was a nice surprise ,and I'm happy to fill the order !

aren't they a couple  of cuties !!
I'm off to enjoy the beautiful day ,before the rain starts in tomorrow mother nature will get it right soon I hope ....lol Have a creative day :0)

Well it has been awhile since I've been posting ,so busy with many new things .I think Spring has finally gotten here ,thought for sure we would have to hunt down that ground hog and give him the business !!

But I think we can let him slid seeing the sun is shinning and the temps are going up ! Not looking forward to all the yard work that is for sure the old homestead looks like a muddy  mess . Time to pull out the rubber boots ,and let the fun begin !
I've been working on some new things and some new pieces hopefully I can list them soon ,that is the plan anyways ,around here I have to squeeze it in when I can .
My new love is hug hooking what fun and I love the way they are coming out

This is just one I've been working can't wait till it is done should be a real beauty !
Well enjoy the warmer weather :0)

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE !!

I know I have been M.I.A. for a few months ,so many things going on in life I'm still trying to catch up I will be listing some new items and redoing the blog ,a little refresher you could say ! Keep an eye out for the changes
Thanks for stoppin by ! :0)

Happy Fourth!

Remember all our fighting men and woman ,because of them we can celebrate our Independence.
Have a great Fourth! 

Wow what a June we have been having ! I think pretty soon we will have to hitch a ride or get webbed feet ,maybe both ,all this rain has been crazy !

We have had so much water on our street ,I got a little nervous when I saw this float by !
The weeks forecast is ....RAIN ,RAIN,RAIN....  I think I better brush up on my pirate... SHIVER ME TIMBERS !

Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers they need all we can give .

Remember what is truly important and share it with the world !

 God Bless them and keep them strong !

Here I am again ! popping in to to fill you in on my crazy life . Things here have been a whirl wind ,the hubby was away for almost two months taking care of his sister who is fighting cancer ,his surprise visit was a true blessing in disguise. she never caught on he was coming so when he walked in the door her face hit the floor with surprise ,worth a million he said ,wish I could of seen it first hand .
Of course while he was gone that meant I got to work ,I always knock off a few things on the to do list when he is on a trip . This time around I tackled the dinning room I struggled with the color choice ,but I think I picked a winner !

 Not only did it come out the way I wanted , I can see I caught a couple of orbs in this pic,I guess the ghost like it too ..lol
After that I went out and picked out the new fridge for our kitchen ,I've been waiting a long time and I took the leap and brought home a big one !

The only thing with getting the new fridge ,is I had to cut down the counter we just put in last summer ...YIKES !!
No sweat .. I pulled out the power tools and we have new counter and the fridge fits great! Now all that is left is that pesky island and the kitchen is done !! That project I will leave to the hubby .... to be continued :0)

Spring has sprung !

It has been so long since I have had time to write ,my world has been upside down for these last few months. Those of you who know my sister inlaw has been battling cancer and it was touch and go for a little while .
So most of what is going on has consumed our lives at this time . I haven't been able to work on any new pieces or any other craft projects to boot . I will get back into the swing I hope soon ,so those of you who are waiting for my new stuff please be patience and I will hook you up as soon as life lets me live it again ! Thanks and I'll start posting soon
God bless :0)

Battin down the hatches ! We are under a snow storm watch . I'm so glad that mt day is done and I can snuggle down with the loved ones and pray we don't get too much as the white stuff goes ! Be careful out there everyone ! :0)

I would like to introduce you to someone very special ,this is my sister in law Lynne .
Her smile hides many heartaches ,but show the strong spirit she has as well .  She was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma last year ,and she fought the battle well. Her treatments didn't make her too ill and it attacked that cancer fast and cleaned it up quick.They had given her the best Christmas present you could give someone who is in this battle, she was in remission .
Our joy was short lived sadly to say ,just a few days ago she was told her cancer is back and growing fast ,so now the fight begins again . Like so many with cancer ,the fight is hard and draining for all who are involved . She is tried and is loosing hope ,and that is said to be the worst thing ,to loose your hope. I ask all who read this please say a prayer if you do pray . All the prayers will help as we as a family face this battle once more ! This poem pretty much sums up our Lynne ,and we want her back the same way ! :0)



Strength
Your amazing strength comes from deep inside,
How you do it, you should write a guide.
Your words and actions always inspire,
The way you do it, I truly admire.
When I look at you, I'm very proud,
Not afraid to proclaim aloud.
Every challenge that you face,
You manage it, with so much grace.
This strength of yours often amazes,
You deserve more than just praises.
With all you do, I hope you get rest,
The rest of us, are profoundly blessed.

Well the that little germ got me ,I've started off my new year with a good old fashioned cold ,and it is holding on for the long haul by the looks of it . You know that little cough that just won't go away and is just enough to be a BIG PAIN IN THE BACK END !! Well that is where I'm at so far .

So, hear I am the walking dead ,so I 'll go soak  in a cup of cold medicine  and wrap myself in a box of tissues ,keep warm gang ! :0)

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

Hi all ! I have been on a long break for the most part and not been too much into the blogging thing ,with all the holiday things going on and working I've been pretty busy . I did take some much needed time off and spent it with good friend sand family ,so now that things have started to calm down I think I can get my groove back into motion . I took a trip up to the north country this weekend with some friends and took some Fantastic pics I want to share with you all . HAPPY NEW YEARS ,and enjoy ,be safe out there ,don;t forget if you drink don't drive !

Nothing like the North country for a great photo,find me on facebook for the rest ! :0)

Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake with Praline Glaze

I'm so glad that the storm missed us ,but I am real sorry for all those who have suffered the effects of this storm my families thoughts and  prayers are with you all God Bless .


Now I would love to share this wonderful recipe I found enjoy ! :0)

Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake with Praline Glaze

Apple-Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Recipe from Southern Living September 2011


Ingredients

    CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
    1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
    1/4 cup butter, softened
    1/2 cup granulated sugar
    1 large egg
    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    APPLE CAKE BATTER:
    1 cup finely chopped pecans (I was cheap and just bought the little 1/2 cup bag in the baking aisle)
    3 cups all-purpose flour
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
    2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    1 teaspoon ground nutmeg Since mine was freshly ground, I used about half this.
    1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
    3 large eggs, lightly beaten
    3/4 cup canola oil
    3/4 cup applesauce
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 1/2 lb.) I used Mutsu, and it only took 2 to get to three cups!

    PRALINE FROSTING:
    1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
    1/4 cup butter
    3 tablespoons milk
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 cup powdered sugar

Preparation

    1. Prepare Filling: Beat first 3 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until blended and smooth. Add egg, flour, and vanilla; beat just until blended.
    2. Prepare Batter: Preheat oven to 350º. Bake pecans in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Stir together 3 cups flour and next 7 ingredients in a large bowl; stir in eggs and next 3 ingredients, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in apples and pecans.
    3. Spoon two-thirds of apple mixture into a greased and floured 14-cup Bundt pan. Spoon Cream Cheese Filling over apple mixture, leaving a 1-inch border around edges of pan. Swirl filling through apple mixture using a paring knife. Spoon remaining apple mixture over Cream Cheese Filling.
    4. Bake at 350º for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a long wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake in pan on a wire rack 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack, and cool completely (about 2 hours).
    5. Prepare Frosting: Bring 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 3 Tbsp. milk to a boil in a 2-qt. saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly; boil 1 minute, whisking constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth; stir gently 3 to 5 minutes or until mixture begins to cool and thickens slightly. Pour immediately over cooled cake.
 

Happy Monday Everyone ! I'm sure most of you are like me though Monday aren't my best days that is for sure ..lol
But I have been busy ,except for this weekend .The hubby and I decided to sneak off for a weekend get away and we are so glad we did . We try to soak up some of the Autumn weather before old man winter sets in . We stayed in a place near and dear to my heart ,I use to stay there  as a Wee one, with my family for many years so it was nice to revisit the past .

There is the handsome fella looking out at the lake that is the cabin we stayed in ,it was nice to have the front cabin ,the view was fantastic!

I was temped to jump in till I felt the water I bit nippy for my taste ,better to wait for the warmer weather  :0)

There is Mr. Loon fishing for his supper ,brave lad that water was COLD !!



We filled the weekend with many great things but one of the best for me, was the quilt show we stopped in to see,  FANTASTIC work is all I can say !!

These are just a few of the beautiful quilts ,there were three rooms filled with them ,well worth the trip to see ,it inspired me to get out the old sewin machine and see what I could do .
As we wondered around they also had glass sculptures,amazing !

This is all done in lines of glass ,I would of loved to see it done !

This was the only fish we caught on our weekend stay ! by the way he was priced at $5000.00 fish anyone YIKES!!

This was a quick way back to the cabin ,just slip on the ruby slippers and away we go ..(there's no place like camp ...there's no place like camp ) :0)

 I got to enjoy many memories from days of old, and made some new ones with my hubby .Have a great week all !

Apple Fritter Bread

Apple Fritter Bread

If you like apple fritters then you'll love this bread!  I tried rolling the dough, like cinnamon bread, however the texture wasn't right.  So even though this may look somewhat complicated to make, it's not.  You get all the flavors of an apple fritter, the texture and the wonderful glaze baked into one big bread.  We ate ours warm and it is delicious! UPDATE ON THIS RECIPE ,I HAD TO BAKE IT A LITTLE LONGER THEN RECIPE CALLS FOR PLEASE CHECK TO MAKE SURE YOUR CENTER IS COOKED BEFORE TURNING IT OUT(I USE A KNIFE TO CHECK MIDDLE)

Ingredients are as follows:

Dough:

3 C flour

1 package yeast

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 C brown sugar

1/4 C water

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C milk

1/4 C butter

Filling:

6 small apples, peeled & diced

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 C brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbsp. butter

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tbsp. cornstarch

Glaze:

1 Tbsp. butter, softened

1 tsp. vanilla

3/4 C powdered sugar

3 tsp. half & half (or milk)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9 x 5 bread pan. 

In a skillet, cook apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, vanilla, butter, cinnamon & cornstarch until mixture is thickened.  Set aside to cool.

Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles; remove from heat. Add the butter and stir until melted; set aside.

Put flour, yeast, brown sugar and salt in a bowl, mix well.

Add the water, egg and milk/butter mixture.

Mix until dough forms into a ball; knead for an additional five minutes.

On a well floured surface, roll dough into a rectangle. 

Evenly spread apple mixture over dough.

Cut dough into even squares (I got 20 from my dough).

Carefully stack pieces of dough onto each other forming four piles.                                      (use a spatula, it makes stacking much easier!)

Place piles of dough into prepared pan.

Bake 45-50 minutes; until golden brown.  Immediately remove from pan.

Mix butter, vanilla and powdered sugar into a bowl.  Add half & half; stir until you get a creamy consistency. 

Pour on glaze and allow to setup for a few minutes.

Pull some apart and enjoy!