Friday, October 29, 2010

A No Peek Halloween

A grandmother pretends she doesn't know who you are on Halloween.
~Erma Bombeck



Sunday is Halloween.  This year we will be going dark - watching tv in the back room with the dogs, ignoring the pounding on the door and the ringing of the bell.  We have decided that we have had enough of the teenagers that come around not dressed in costume with their pillow cases for candy bags expecting a big handout.  We've had enough of the pregnant young ladies coming around saying they are 'trick or treating' for their baby and pointing at their stomachs.  We are tired of the rude children, unescorted by adults, who never say 'thank you'.  I will miss the little ones, with happy smiles and their soft little 'twick or tweats', all dressed up as princesses, batman, or their favorite Toy Story character.  So we say 'bah humbug' to Halloween this year, I'm sorry to say.  How about you?  Will you be answering your door to all of the little ghosts and goblins?

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Asparagus Fern on my side yard

Asparagus fern or Asparagus densiflorus is a weed that belongs to the lily family or Liliaceae. Though asparagus fern is characterized by lacy fern like foliage, it is not a true fern. Rather, it is a close relative of the asparagus plant, with its bushy appearance and delicate foliage. Asparagus fern is native to South Africa and is often considered as a weed. But today, asparagus fern is a popular houseplant. The credit for popularizing asparagus fern as an ornamental plant in Europe goes to Carl Ludwig Sprenger, a German botanist.  I did not know the following fact:  Asparagus fern is considered as a toxic plant, when ingested. Ingestion of the berries can cause gastrointestinal problems like, diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, while skin contact can cause allergic reactions or dermatitis. The plant is toxic to pets like dogs and cats. Therefore, it is advisable to keep asparagus fern and cats or dogs at a distance, or take adequate care so that your pets do not consume any part of the plant.

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Yesterday I worked on my Cheryl's SAL blocks.  I managed to get the all squared up and some of them into rows.  I only have a picture of 8 of the blocks not yet assembled not yet put into rows.
I hope to have the quilt top completely assembled the first part of next week.  I'll share it with you then.

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And since I didn't have anything else completed to show you, I thought I would share a picture of three fall pillows that I made last year.  They are getting rather tired looking and probably need a bigger pillow form but here they are.

My favorite is the center with all of the tiny blowing leaves on it.  The dogs, unfortunately, like to use them as their cushions to lay on - but then they always look so comfortable on them - lol!

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How about a super easy recipe.  This is a slow cooker recipe that is yummy.  It has only a few ingredients and can cook up to 12 hours

No Peek Beef Casserole

Ingredients

2 pounds stew beef, cut into 1-inch pieces
1  -  1 3/8 ounce envelope dry onion soup mix
1/2 cup red wine
1  -  10 3/4 ounce can golden mushroom soup
1  -  4 ounce can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 cup quick-cooking tapioca (optional)

Ingredients

Directions

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Stir together well.  Cover and cook on Low 8 to 12 hours, or on High for 4 to 6 hours.  Serve over noodles or rice.  Serves 4.  This recipe may be doubled for 5 quart slow cookers.

No Peek Beef Casserole served over rice

Personal Notes

1.  I use just about any kind of beef that is on sale - it cooks so long any meat you use will soften

2.  The original recipe calls for cream of mushroom soup but I think Golden Mushroom soup adds more flavor.

3.  Reheats well.

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GIVEAWAYS

Norma over at Quilty Giveaways is featuring Sonja of Artisania. Sonja is giving away two of her patterns to two lucky winners. (Make sure you enter at the Quilty Giveaways link). You might want to check out Sonja's site for the cute free paper piecing patterns she has.  This giveaway ends November 3rd.

My "Just Because" giveaway is still running.  If you would like to enter to win 5 fall themed fat quarters just click HERE.

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Final Thought

I can hardly believe it is already Friday.  Where did the time go.  Coming home on Monday just totally messed with my brain's scheduling - I've been off all week by a day.  Maybe over the weekend I can reorganize my mind and by Monday be back into brain and day harmony.  Our weekend doesn't appear to be too busy for a change - a welcome respite.  Perhaps we will catch up on some much needed yard work, watch some tv shows recorded at least two weeks ago (thank goodness for the DVR), enjoy a cup of coffee while reading the morning paper.  I'm starting to sound old!  The following quote is definitely how I feel this week:

Middle age is when you're sitting at home on a Saturday night and the telephone rings and you hope it isn't for you.
~Ogden Nash

Happy Halloween to everyone!!!!!!!!

17 comments:

Jocelyn said...

Your recipe looks great! I love using my crock pot. Meals are done with such little preparation. Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl said...

Blocks are looking good. That is one of my favorite slow cooker recipes. I too miss the little children in their Halloween costumes. No fun anymore, with only obnoxious teenagers. Now I am sounding old.

Needled Mom said...

We will be doing Halloween. We are lucky enough to not get those sorts of trick or treaters here. We turn the lights off at 8:30 when the little ones should be home.

Petit Design Co. said...

I don't blame you for not wanting to hand out candy. I get annoyed at the teenagers that don't try too. I haven't any pregnant ones yet though. This year I might just turn away those that aren't dressed up. I always make everyone say trick or treat though. I don't drop the candy until I hear the words (unless it's like a 2 year old!)

Lisa said...

Love the pillows, very pretty!

Char said...

I agree with you about Halloween! Since we live on a high traffic road with only a few houses, we never have them anyway.
I also have Asparagus fern, I've loved them since I was a teen. This weekend I will spend some time bringing my plants that won't overwinter inside.

Kati said...

I totally agree with you about going dark for Halloween. Before we had kids, we would go out to dinner on Halloween. There is no one in the restaurants! It was fabulous.

Mary Grace McNamara said...

Our doorbell usually rings one time on Halloween and it's a little girl who must live somewhere around here but I don't know who she is. She always has the cutest costume, complete from head to toe. Someone takes a lot of time putting it together. If we lived in a busy neighborhood like some people do where the situation is as you describe, we would probably do the same thing you're doing!

That beef stew looks delicious...I might have to try it this weekend!

MGM

Megan Harmeyer said...

Ha! As soon as I saw the title, I knew this was going to be the recipe. I like those little pillows.

Talin's Corner said...

I love the fact that you quoted Erma Bombeck. I loved and miss her, she always made me smile if not laugh out loud.

As far as the trick or treaters go, I do not blame the kids...I blame their parents for not teaching them manners. I will be answering my door because I so enjoy the little ones (some actually do say thank you). As for the pregnant mothers, what are they thinking? We have never had one ring our door bell and I hope they won't either. Enjoy your Halloween night.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The recipe sounds good...like comfort food for the cooler weather! We just have grandkids come by and that's fun! Enjoy your weekend! ♥

crafty pug said...

love the blocks - coming together very nicely!
xx

Unknown said...

I am hoping for some trick or treaters, we dont get many in my neighbourhood. But I always have the choccies on hand and it will only be for dressed up kids, if enough dont come then I get to eat it :)

Dana Gaffney said...

We answer the door until about 9 or when the first no costume shows up, then we go dark. I love Halloween and just love the little ones, it's magic for them, dressing up, getting candy what a great day.

BROOKE said...

I love Halloween but we've lived here about 6 years and have only had a couple trick or treaters in all that time. I miss the interaction. I've never had a pregnant woman begging for candy but being a childless couple I long for the fun of taking a child out trick or treating. I've had some understanding friends over the years who've let me trick or treat them. I remember trick or treating as a teen too - always in costume but I'd make my own and not everyone "got" it. It was very hurtful to be told I was too old or not dressed up. Would they rather I'd be out pulling pranks with the unruly in my class? One year the town CANCELED Halloween due to a snow storm. I was a teen an I cried - it's a special time and it's still hard to let go of that part of childhood. Even though no one has trick or treated my door in years, I always have a bowl of treats ready. I'd really hate to be caught and have to pass out beans.

Melody said...

We don't celebrate Halloween here in Australia so there will be no trick or treaters for us.

BitnByAQuiltingBug said...

Since I live in the middle of nowhere, I don't get anyone at my door on Halloween. Our small town has a big get together in the middle of town. We roast hot dogs, drink apple cider and just enjoy the kids. It's a Norman Rockwell moment for me. I love a small town! Love your blocks, too!

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