Rapunzel Scarf

I received the last of three packages for the Rapunzel Scarf - Easter Theme today. This package was from Leah M. in California, and the colors she included were beautiful. There were also a couple of textured yarns, which will be fun to see in the scarf.

April Showers Tags

Well, I finally finished my tags for the April Showers Bring May Flowers Tag Swap. I'm really happy with them, and I hope they stay glued together long enough for the participants to enjoy them, too. The flowers were not flat, so that was a bit of a challenge. After a bit of discussion within the group, I decided to include flowers with each tag, just in case the recipients wanted to display them as a banner, then they could put a flower on the banner, too.

Visit from Family

This evening was a really nice one. Dad had meetings in Virginia this past week, so he extended his trip to visit with us for a few days. Today, while I was at work, Donnie drove up, and when I got home, the three of us went out. Our evening started dinner at the DuClaw.

We enjoyed some of their hand-crafted beers, an appetizer of a Crab Pretzel, and entrees of a Seafood Pasta, Pepperjack Penne Pasta, and Walnut Dill Salmon. I definitely enjoyed this experience more than the last time I went there - many years ago. Then we went to see a movie, Hot Tub Time Machine.

It was really funny - I laughed out loud. I'm sure that some people might say that the humor was stupid, but I really enjoyed it. Overall, a good evening.

Last International Tag

The last tag from the International Tag Swap came in the mail today from Franca Maria in Germany. It was pretty cool - it had maps and stamps from different countries on it.

Cookbook Swap

I finally sent Michel-lee's cookbook for the Cookbook Swap. She had requested a Budget Cookbook, and this is what I found.

It looks like it's full of neat ideas, I hope she can use it :-)

Cookbook and Rapunzel Scarf

I got tons of mail today! The first things was the cookbook from the Cookbook Swap. Michel-lee sent me "The Good Carb Cookbook."

I also received yarn and ribbon from two of my three partners in the Rapunzel Scarf - Easter Theme swap. The colors are gorgeous, and I can't wait to put the scarf together!

I received these from Shelli in New York.

Amanda in Washington sent these.

And here's a sample of what I'm getting ready to send out. I hope that my partners enjoy them as much as I enjoyed choosing them.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

We had a breakfast this morning at Huber to celebrate the day, so I brought Irish Potatoes and Cabbage. I started to cook some corned beef last night, and got up early this morning to make the dish. I think it turned out well.

Irish Potatoes and Cabbage

Prep Time: 25 min
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons margerine or butter
2 cups purchased coleslaw blend (from 16-oz. pkg.)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 3/4 cups water
3/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups mashed potato flakes
1/2 lb. sliced cooked corned beef, chopped (about 2 cups)
2 oz. (1/2 cup) shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Melt margerine in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add coleslaw blend and onion; cook 5 to 7 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.
2. Add water, milk and salt. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in potato flakes until moistened. Add corned beef and cheese; mix well. Spread evenly over skillet.
3. Return skillet to medium heat; cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated and golden brown on bottom. If desired, invert onto serving plate; sprinkle with additional cheese.

When I got home from work, I found out that I'd received an ATC from Krista in Virginia for the Fabric ATC Swap. I love it!

Then, to top it all off, I let the band president know that I was interested in the recently vacated position of Section Leader. I've been feeling really wishy-washy about it, not knowing exactly whether or not I was interested, and for what reasons. Well, at the end of rehearsal, the music director called me and the other Assistant Section Leader together, and said he would promote me, but to use her as Co-Section Leader. So, now I'm confused with what's happened - are we both Section Leaders, like we've both been Assistant Section Leaders for the past few years? Aargh, what a day!

Spring Surprise Swap

Today, I received my fat quarters and handmade gift from Corry in the Dutch Sisters Spring Surprise Swap. She wrapped it so prettily.

The fabric was adorable, and so was the stuffed bird that she included.

Thank you, Corry!

St. Patrick's Day Parade

Today, the band participated in Baltimore's annual St. Patrick's Day parade. It turned out better than expected, since rain was in the forecast, and it just stayed overcast for the parade, which is how the weather usually is. I think we did a nice job improvising - the final reviewing stand was on the other side of the street than usual. We also had to hang out in a different area than normal, which in a way, made more sense. For the parade, we played Danny Boy and the Ravens Fight Song, and at the final reviewing stand, we played the Irish National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner. By the end of the parade, I was pooped, it's been a lazy off-season. It's a good thing I was able to go home and plant myself in front of the television with some crafts I needed to catch up on.

Fabric ATC Swap

Early, early, early this morning I finally finished my ATC for the Fabric ATC Swap. I've had parts of it ready for a couple of weeks, but I finally finished putting it together.

I made two fabric flowers by burning the edges of different sized circles of fabric, and sewing them together. I like the effect, and I really hope my swap partner does, too.

Let's Play iSpy Swap

Today, I received the long awaited squares from the Let's Play iSpy Swap. They had to come all the way from Australia, so my patience was rewarded. I will try to post pictures of the squares, for Wanda's benefit, since she gave me her squares to give to a girlfriend of mine, as time permits - and it hasn't lately.

I have been so incredibly busy the past few days. The weather was beautiful, so it was extremely busy at the Tidewater. I was supposed to have Saturday night off, after working at Huber, but I was called in to manage, and Sunday, I was supposed to manage until 3, but had to stay until 5 because it was so busy. Then I had to go to Huber. It's crazy, but my body is still sore!

Spring Surprise Swap

I finally sent out my parcel to Corry for the Dutch Sisters Spring Surprise Swap. I know I blew the surprise a few posts ago, but I just loved what I made for her. I guess the only surprise she has left is what the fabric looks like.

Two More Swaps

Phew! I signed up for two more swaps today - one's confirmed. The first, and confirmed one, is the 2nd Annual Nancy Drew Swap.

I have a plan for what to send for that swap as a main item - anything extra will have to wait until I read the story again. The second is the Cookbook Swap.

Since Tom is so picky with what he eats, I think that getting new cookbooks would be a good way to change up his menu.
On another note (Tweet!) I received my forth tag in the International Tag Swap. This one was from Faith in New Zealand. I just love the ribbons she attached to it, and the butterfly was a nice touch. I'm feeling really insignificant with what I sent out, but I liked them when I sent them out. Oh, well. I'll learn eventually.