Friday, March 18, 2016

Sunshine

Happy Friday my friends!  It's knitting day!  I get to go and knit with some other ladies this afternoon and I'm looking forward to it, but first a recap on my week.  Well, the fun things that is.  Laundry, ironing, vacuuming, etc.  Those are not so fun, so we'll pass those right on by, although I count it a joy that I am physically able to do those things again fairly easily.  I don't want to take that for granted.

Here is my garland of spring flowers that usually hangs on the kitchen island in the summertime.  I thought I would switch things up just a little and hang it on the Hoosier cabinet for a little while. It makes me happy.  :-)
Yesterday I made cherry bars for Bible study.  Here they are unbaked...
and here they are after they came out of the oven.  Oh. My. Goodness. These bars are delicious and very easy.
Cherry Bars Recipe
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2 cans, (21 ounces each) cherry pie filling

Glaze:
1 cup confectioners sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract 
2-3 tablespoons milk

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, cream butter, sugar and salt until light and fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Beat in extracts.  Gradually add flour.

2. Spread 3 cups batter into a greased 15x10x1 pan. (I just used a pan I had that was 17x12x1 and it worked well.) Spread top with pie filling.  Drop remaining beater by teaspoonfuls over filling.  Bake 30-35 minutes until golden brown.  Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

3. In a small bowl, mix confectioner's sugar, extracts and enough milk to reach desired consistency.  Drizzle over the top.   Enjoy!

I finished a third lapghan for the Veteran's Home yesterday.  I used the Granny Stripe Blanket pattern.
I also used the cozy blanket edging, both were from Lucy at Attic 24.  I really like how the edging turned out.  She used four colors and four rounds and I only used three colors and rounds.
The orchids are still making me very happy.
Aren't they gorgeous in the morning sunshine?
Brad's Dad sent me this picture of a golf cart he was looking at in Nebraska. He thinks we should get one for the lake.  Ha! We could really use it!  The six of us went in together and bought a golf cart last year, but it only has one seat and one the guys built on the back.  We all ride on it though!  Four of us sitting and two of the guys standing on the back.  This 8-person cart would be perfect!  (No way are we buying one though.)
Here's my sweet little Lilly smelling the flowers.  I wonder if she realizes they're not real?  :-)
I'll be back to making mittens for awhile and maybe knitting a bit on my Zilver shawl that I've had put away for a few weeks.  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend whatever you may be doing.

"Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground." Psalm 143:10

Blessings,
Betsy

13 comments:

  1. The garland looks beautiful as does the cherry bar, what a lovely recipe. The orchids are still looking gorgeous. Take care and have a lovely weekend.

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  2. I love hearing that you're feeling more up to your old self! Your flower garland looks very sweet on your Hoosier.. I wish mine wasn't hidden around the corner.. I miss having it more in view. We used to have it in the dining room. The cherry dessert looks so good.. I will show it to Kristi, our baker. :-) Have a happy weekend!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  3. Betsy, looks like you are getting ready for Spring. Love your garland, and I love how cheerful you are. You are the best! Wish I could spend the afternoon knitting with you and chatting, I know we would never run out of things to say.
    Have a great weekend,
    Meredith

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  4. Yummy cherry bars...thanks for sharing. :) Oh the afghan and garland look lovely. Your sweet little sheep is so cute. :) Wishing you a day filled with many blessings sweet friend. :)

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  5. Pretty garland Betsy and the cherry bars look so yummy. Sounds like you have fun riding on your golf cart :-) Little Lily is cute. I'm off to a sugarcraft demonstration tomorrow. Hope you have a fun weekend. Hugs Anne x

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  6. Oh yum...I am ready for dinner and the cherry bars look so good!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Your Spring flowers and Orchid, and Lily are so sweet. Cheers for another well done stitching project that will no doubt help cheer and warm the recipient. That golf cart is impressive! Hope you enjoyed knitting this afternoon. I had fun swimming but am glad to have the weekend off :) May your weekend be happy xx

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  7. Hi Girlfriend, I love your colorful hanging flowers... They add some 'sunshine' to the cabinet....

    The Orchids are also gorgeous... I love seeing them when we visit Biltmore.

    Those Cherry Bars look delicious... YUM...

    Hope your meds are all worked out now.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. Ahhh Betsy your spring garland is glorious, I love it!!! And so are your cherry slice, Mmm they smell sooo nice. But won't make it .. Dont need it.
    Wonderful Afghan and Gods orchids are indeed breathtaking. Love the golf cart, we have one like that at our Botanical Gardens to transport folks around.
    Cute little sheep and flower bowl too!
    Thanks so much for sharing, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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  9. Oh wow these look good! In response to your comment on my post... I tho't those grocery Outlets were only on the west coast and PA. Are you in 1 of those areas? I hope you like it!!!

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  10. Your garland is so pretty for our upcoming spring. Glad you're knitting with others. Me by myself. Enjoy your weekend, my friend. Hugs and blessings.

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  11. The bars were great, as is your post!

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  12. oh dear, I want those cherry bars. I must put them in my someday pile!

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  13. Betsy your truck driver sweater knitter story was amazing!

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