Good Friends

Well the weather here is chilly and the upcoming days are supposed to be wet and cold so I was happy to spend the day at home with my good friend Jean who own The Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center. We caught up on small talk and things going on in the town. Had tea and chatted while I helped her set up an Etsy shop. Jean has so many beautiful quuilted items and recycled wool and denim things, I can't wait to watch her fill the shop. I will share the link with you when she gets some items listed.

Of course, I have no idea where she finds the time. Jean and her husband have a farm where they grow the produce sold at the garden center, their stand and local farmers markets. Besides running the Teapot Quilt Cottage 7 days a week. The shop is amazing with treasures in every corner. From cookbooks and jellies, fabric and yarn to rag quilts and wool mittens. Amazing

These photos are from last year, they now have replaced the tent with a white gazebo , but there are loads of pumpkins and fall items as well as a shop full of things to see. If you are passing through Montello droop in and see for yourself.

I added another fun hat to the Etsy shop yesterday......and yes I facebooked it and the model was thrilled! NOT

 

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

GINGERSNAPPY CRUST
1	box gingersnaps (about 16 oz.)
1	stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
1/4	cup sugar
1/2	cup pecans, chopped fine
1/4 tsp	cayenne pepper (trust me)
FILLING
3 pkg	(8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temperature (may use low-fat, but do not use fat free)
1 1/4	cups pumpkin puree-- 15oz. can (not pumpkin pie filling)
5 lg	eggs
1	cup sugar
1/2	cup heavy cream
2 tsp	ground cinnamon
1 tsp	ground ginger
1/2 tsp	ground cloves
1/2 tsp	freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp	allspice
1/2 tsp	salt
SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE
1/2	cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2	cup sugar
1/2	stick (1/4 cup) butter
1/3	cup water
1/4	cup heavy cream (can use milk)
1/2 tsp	pure vanilla extract
1/2 to 3/4 tsp	salt (trust me)
	crumbled gingersnaps for garnish
	toasted pecan halves for garnish

Slow, sleepy Saturday

  It is grey and cold outside, and that was my mood when I awoke this morning.  A headache ...there just enough to make me uncomfotable and a kind of blah feeling.  So much for the trip to Walmart I had planned with my Mom for this morning. Instead I think I will have some coffee finish some buttons on hats and just stay in warm and try to shake of this feeling. 
     I need some sunshine and warm weather, maybe a bunch of bright yellow flowers would help. A dafodill or two. In that case I know just where to look for a pick me up and the flowers.

     Everyone should have that one person who knows what your feeling without you saying a word. Who listens and doesnt judge and who sincerely does care.  I have such a person.  Not an old childhood friend or sister, but someone I met about four years ago here in town.  A fellow busines owner who now, seems like I have always known.  Alot has happened to both of us over the past few years and she has always been there with a kind word and hug.  I hope I have been the same for her. Jean owns the Teapot Quilt Cottage and Garden Center with her husband, Bob . Two of the nicest, down to earth people you could meet. p.s. her husband grows THE best sweet corn in the area.  Jean gives classes, sews, knits, gardens and is always there when you need her.  I am NOT a knitter or quilter. Let me say about 20 years ago I made a pledge to make my first Grandson Joey knit mittens, like any good Grandma. Well he is 21 and I never made them.  I did take a class at the high school, which I learned to put stitches on the needle. Then took a cass with Jean at the Teapot, I did make half a mitten. I am not as patient as I would like and knitting is not for me.  I would like to do some quilting though. My Mom moved up here from Tulsa in October and she quilts.  My other Mom, ( I have two ) also quilts. A baby quilt makes such a nice gift and I could add them to my Etsy shop. Another project for me. Maybe before the snow melts I will go visit with Jean and take a class.  If you are living or visiting in the area, this is a must see stop.

Jean's February calendar is done and so many nice classes to choose from. Beginners Knitting on the 3rd, kids woven heart basket from 1-3 on the 5th ( no charge),Needle felting for beginners oon the 11th,  baby rag quit on the 12th ( I think I will take this one ) , recycled wool mittens on the 16th ( these were  ahuge hit for the holidays ) no frills apron, cherry pie day and so much more.  If you are interested and want to know more stop by at 505 Main Street in Montello or give Jean a call. 608 297-7849 and she can explain all that is going on at the Teapot Quilt Cottage in Montello.

This email with Jeans calendar came at just the right time, I was sipping coffee and feeling yucky as the kids would say when YOU"VE GOT MAIL popped up and there she was. A good friend always knows when you need to be picked up a bit.

I did get a couple hats done and hopefully I will get them posted yet today.

from baby to teens everybody can use a hat! 

Even this one for those grouchy days !