Finally completed a project!

Okay, so I managed to step away from Facebook long enough to complete something.  I had once made a very small (about 18"x 18") knit blanket for one of my grandsons.  He turned out to not really be into blankies, but his newest brother is.  Brenley loves to rub his face with the blankie when he goes to sleep, so they call it his "face blankie".  I received a phone call about 11 pm on a Friday night two weeks ago.  My daughter-in-law said it was an emergency.  When I finished with the "who's hurt?  what's wrong?" panic, she told me they lost Brenley's face blankie.  Horrors!  So, I had to make a new one.  This one is a tad longer instead of square.  But I think he'll like it.

Brenley with first blankie

New blankie

While I was at it, I had begun some summer shorts rompers for his brother, Kai.  I decided they should be finished and sent at the same time so they both got something.  I hope you enjoy the pictures.  I know I feel good that they are finished!

Kai's rompers

Got to get off of Facebook!

It's been forever since I've posted on this blog.  And I can tell you in one word why....FACEBOOK.  Ever since a friend told me about the games, it's been a downhill spiral.  I find I've just about given up any other hobbies I have.  It's a sickness, I tell you!  Another friend asked what the draw of games like Farmville is.  I couldn't answer.  I walk away from that game and am always drawn back as soon as they offer something new, which is every single week!  I know when I began to play, it was a creative outlet.  I enjoyed arranging my farm and my little YoVille apartment.  Then it was time to expand, move into a better house, etc.  Along with that came more "things" to decorate with.  And, of course, to be able to afford everything, you had to visit your friends/neighbors.  This led to becoming Facebook "friends" with complete strangers, all in the name of having enough neighbors to upgrade/expand/make more at the factory.

I've been able to effectively give up YoVille.  That is, as long as they don't create more levels :)  Now it's FrontierVille.  I actually enjoy this game.  It's more interactive than the others.  You have to complete quests to continue on.  There's still a raft of neighbors, again, mostly people I don't even know...but this game is appealing to me more than the farm.

I suppose the fact that I work at home and am at the computer all day contributes to this Facebook craze.  But I need to turn it off and get back to my sewing/knitting/crocheting/reading/fill in the blank that I have ignored for waaaaay too long.

Yes, I know one of the last posts I made here was about Facebook, but that should tell you all something :)  It's an addiction that I, personally, want to get control of.  So, wish me luck!  And if you see me on the farm, just wave and pretend you don't know me.....because you probably don't :)

Winter holiday recipes....

The autumn is upon us, and winter will be right on its heels.  So, for all the parties, gift-giving and special get-togethers, I'm going to begin posting recipes here and there.  I hope you enjoy them!  Let's start with a nice cheese ball.  If you don't use the products listed, I'm sure you can improvise with your own brands.

2 packages (8 ounces each) Philadelphia® Cream Cheese, softened
1 package (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Miracle Whip® salad dressing
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup chopped pecans

In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, blend all cheeses with the salad dressing.  Add onions and pepper, mix well.  Refrigerate several hours.

Shape as desired, then roll shaped cheese in chopped pecans.  Serve with your choice of crackers or crusty bread pieces.

Prep time is approximately 15 minutes (not including refrigeration time).  Makes about 3 1/2 cups cheese spread.  One serving = 2 Tablespoons, approximately 30 servings per batch.

Serving suggestion:  Shape like a football, use slices of pimento to create the laces on top and serve up at your Sunday get-together to root for your favorite team!

Do you "Facebook"?

The ultimate social interaction known as Facebook.  Do you belong?  Are you addicted?  Is it your ultimate gamespot?

I will say that I got reaquanted with some long ago schoolmates, and that's a good thing.  But the games can be time-consuming...to put it mildly.  I feel like my life has been taken over by visits to fellow YoVillians; hours spent on the farm harvesting, plowing, planting and visiting neighbor's crops; more time making sure my Island Paradise is intact and the animals are milked, eggs are collected and the fruit picked; and lest I forget, the chef duties at Cafe World.  There's Country Life, Animal Farm, Roller Coaster Kingdom, Vegas Slots, Lucky Slots, Lexelous, and a miriad of titles from MindJolt.

Sure, you may say "why play all those games?"  Well, the addictive nature of the games, along with my propensity to overdo just about anything I enjoy is a match made in heaven for Facebook and their advertisers.  While I've been able to ignore the advertising thus far, it's only a matter of time before they creep silently into my brain.

So, why stay?  You tell me, and we'll both know :)  In the meantime, if you'll excuse me, I have crops to tend to and baked goods to get out of the ovens before they burn.  How else will I be able to afford the Cape Cod house? :)

Drop by sometime....but remember to sign up for my crew!

Westward IV....I can't wait!

Fans of the Sandlot Games' Westward, Westward II and Westward III are all excitedly awaiting the release of the fourth game in this series.  The screenshots and trailers show the promise of yet another great game from Sandlot.  I, for one, can't wait!

For those not familiar with the Westward series, please visit Sandlot Games and see what you've been missing!

Building towns in the old west and fighting bandits was never so much fun :)

Soup's on!

I received my package of goodies the other day from MyBlogSpark.  If you recall, I'm going to try some Progesso® High Fiber soup.  I received the Chicken Tuscany, and I'm excited to try it.  The calorie count is wonderful...130 calories per serving, with two servings per can (serving size is about 1 cup).  Only 25 calories from fat, and 0 transfat.  With 7 grams of dietary fiber and 8 grams of protein, this soup will be good for my needs.  The only drawback I see is the somewhat high sodium mark...690 mg, which is 29% of the recommended daily value.

Part of my package was two large soup mugs and soup spoons.  I'd like to offer one set to a reader of this blog.  Simply put a comment on this post letting me know if you have ever tried Progesso® soups.  The giveaway will be closed on Friday, November 6, 2009.  The winner will be chosen by random generator from all eligible comments.

I'll be posting in the next day or two my thoughts on the taste of the Progresso® Chicken Tuscany High Fiber soup!