Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Hodgepodge and Dust on the Bookshelves


Believe it or not, those are bookshelves.



1. In honor of the date...when were you last sent on a 'fool's errand'?

My first thought was, 'when I was told to vote in a Presidential election,' but that would be the cynical side of me speaking. It does feel like the political parties are so similar and both run by big money, but I'll keep voting as though it matters.

2. Peter Rabbit, Bugs Bunny, The Energizer Bunny, The Easter Bunny, Rabbit (Pooh's friend), White Rabbit (of Wonderland fame), or the Trix Rabbit...which of these 'famous' rabbits can you best relate to right now?

Probably Peter Rabbit. I'd like to be in Mr McGregor's lovely garden, wearing my pretty little blue coat with brass buttons (quite new) and eating my fill of greens and veggies. Then I'd go home to eat scones and jam. Okay, maybe it didn't work out that way for Peter, but that's because he wasn't a very smart little rabbit.  And now that you're hungry for scones and jam, here's my recipe for Cranberry Morning's Americanized Scones (not to be pronounced sCONEs, mind you, but sCONs, or possibly even sCOONs. Who knows.). Anyway you pronounce them, these are delicious and should be served with hearty black coffee. I just can't get into the tea thing, although I have given it several attempts. I'm blaming my Scandinavian roots.



Recipe - Blueberry and Chocolate Chip Scones:

2 c. flour
1/3 c. sugar (or even a tad less)
2 1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 stick of butter, softened
3/4 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more!)
1 bag (1 1/2 cups?) blueberry-infused Craisins (dried cranberries) or dried blueberries.
3/4 c. heavy whipping cream or 2/3+ c. half and half. I've made them both ways.
1 t. almond extract
1 egg, slightly beaten

1/4 c. raspberry or blueberry preserves

In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with pastry cutter.

In a small bowl, beat egg, heavy whipping cream, and extract. Add chocolate chips. Toss Craisins in a couple t. of flour to separate them, then discard the excess flour. Mix all ingredients together, stirring just until mixture is evenly moistened. Drop appx. 2.5 inch spoonfuls onto greased jellyroll pan. These spread on the pan, but not a lot. I get a dozen on a jellyroll pan.

Bake 375 degrees for 18 minutes. Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then top with preserves (optional).

You won't be sorry.

Note: I don't usually put the preserves on top because then they're pretty messy, so it's up to you whether you want to pick up a scone with your fingers, or use a fork.

You're allowed to put a little half and half in your coffee. :-)


3. When did you last find yourself scrambling to get something done? Explain.


This week, probably at the last minute, I will be scrambling to get ready for a small group of women from our church, meeting at our house on Saturday, all coming with the intention of getting to know one another better and presumably hoping to have a good time. They have varied interests, so it will be interesting trying to pull it together. I think there will be some baking (scones), some crocheting, and some mystery movie watching going on.

4. Last time you were up at the literal crack of dawn? Why? Last time you stayed up all night? Why?

 Charing Cross Tube Station

I'm almost always up at the crack of dawn or sometimes before. Why? Because who wants to spend half their day in bed and miss the sunrise?? Since we got home from Jolly Ole, however, I've been sleeping later. It was nearly 7 AM when I tripped downstairs yesterday morning! This is not good. The last time I stayed up all night? Probably the first day we were in London.

5. Crack a book, crack a bottle, crack a joke, crack an egg...which have you done most recently?

Cracked a book, a great devotional for Lent, 'Lent for Everyone,' by N.T. Wright. It's a little late for this year, but I highly recommend it for next year, if you're looking for something deeper, less formulaic than many devotionals out there. And, as you can tell from the cover, there are three volumes covering Matthew, Mark, and Luke, so they can be rotated. This has been an excellent devotional.




6. What's your favorite part of a typical weekend? Tell us why that's so.


Friday night is my favorite. I know I don't have to rush for anything the next morning, and if I indulge in a little too much dark chocolate or coffee, it's almost always on a Friday evening, for it doesn't really matter if I feel horrid the next morning. I know, I know. I should get over that, and I'm making an effort. A little effort. A tiny effort.



7. What's something I'd find on a bookshelf in your home? Other than a book I mean!


Dust, mostly, but also odds and ends, knickknacks, and whatnot. Here are a couple photos to prove it. Please ignore the dust.

 Dust, Books, Christmas Knick Knacks (don't rush me!)
and 'Henry.'

 Dust, Books, Hall's Cough Drops
When did they get there?!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

On Sunday, we got to attend the birthday party of sweet little Lucy, our youngest granddaughter. It was her first birthday! Here she is in her new party dress, with her four year old brother entertaining her with a glow toy. Also in the collage is a little cousin, our youngest grandson, who just turned 7 months old. His mama sent me that photo. Looks like mischief, doesn't he! :-)  They're both such happy babies.

Upper left photo taken by Nana.


Random Thought #2:

I was looking at my phone a few minutes ago (It's after 10 PM Tuesday as I finish this) and I see the following temps on my home screen (these are in Farenheit): York 39, Wausau 51, Denton 75, London 42, Durham 35, Dallas (WI) 51. England is cold tonight! Brrrr. Glad I'm in balmy Wisconsin, where we're expecting 70 degrees tomorrow!

February of 2014
On one of those mornings that I was up before the crack of dawn.


***

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40 comments:

Linda Kay said...

Judy a delightful post of lovely things and great treats! I took down the recipe, as I have a scone pan I seldom use, and this will be great. Love little Lucy in her party dress....so cute! It's really the crack of dawn as I'm writing!

Joyce said...

Hope you had a fabulous trip! We had three inches of snow yesterday, so no spring here yet. Precious pics of your little grand...I love the dress!

The Cranky said...

Awww, wee souls! So adorable.

Personally, I believe we should import the Monster Raving Loony party from the UK; it would be so very appropriate, don't you think?

Combat global warming, install air conditioners on the Outside of buildings! (Yes, that was one of their platforms, lol.)

Arlene G said...

I always love Hodgepodge! And I agree with you about a fool's errand. It is so hard to see our present political landscape without sighing for the good old days when there were statesmen and not politicians. And that LUCY...what a doll. We are getting ready for our sixth grandchild, Audrey Katherine, who will arrive in May. Nothing like those precious little ones.

MadSnapper said...

precious babies, oh so sweet. i can't remember ever being sent on a fools errand. I wish i had the energy of the Energizer bunny.
those cookies look wonderful or scones if you want to call them that. don't know the difference if there is one.
I am with you, up before dawn 365 days a year.. so why don't you have the temps on your page for Florida? that is what i am wondering..

21 Wits said...

I've been feeling the same way about #1! Your book shelves are so festive and inviting, and catches memories of London and England for me. I like your crack a book! I also like your yummy recipe, now another one to try! Hoping you have beautiful weather today!

Unknown said...

Always inspired by the hodgepodgers and their early wake up times. I wake at 6am M-F, but if it were up to me I would sleep until 9 or 10. Wish I could return to a good internal clock of 7am though. :)

Theresa said...

I am so hungry after reading your post. Those scones looks delicious and I would like them with coffee or tea. And dark chocolate- my favorite is Lindt's 70% dark chocolate bar. Trader Joe's also makes a pound plus bar that is really good. Your grandchildren are so cute!

TexWisGirl said...

adorable grands! dust, very much so, in my house!

Tired Teacher said...

I love scones but have never actually made them; perhaps it's time that I did.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I have never tried scones, but your photo of them makes me want to try to bake some. I'm an early riser too- and don't do well having to be out much after dark. I guess that makes me boring, but I don't mind. Lucy is just adorable- Happy Birthday to her! Have a super weekend.

Pamela Gordon said...

Fun post today Judy. The recipe for the Scones sounds delicious. Enjoy your day.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

A delightful post to see and see.on holiday, don't have the time to co comment more.

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Lucy sure is a sweet little girl. I hope she had a very happy 1st birtday. Your scones look very good. The recipe sounds great.
I hope you'll have an awesome Easter!

Ginny Hartzler said...

Your grandchildren are BEAUTIFUL! I love your first picture of the bookshelf with English things on it. Do not ever change it, it is so cool. I bet the scones are very English, too. The last time I stayed up late, till around five A.M., was only because I couldn't sleep! How sad that it was not because of hi jinks! I don't care what the temps will be on Sunday, as long as it doesn't rain for the Easter Egg Hunt.

podso said...

I won't tell you the story about dust on our bookshelves. I'll have to enlarge your photo and look at your titles. Enjoyed your hodgepodge--you'll be back to your early rising soon--you're still lagging from the jet.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Love your photo at the top. I have several collectible tins from London. I'll keep voting too even though they are similar. Your Scones sound delicious, thanks for the recipe. "Mind the Gap".....
Precious little ones. You are so blessed to have them in your life.
Happy Easter.

Trace4J said...

I love Peter Rabbit, scones and coffee w lil cream...
Wool and buttons too.
Hugs to you Friend

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I hope you had a nice trip Judy, I enjoyed your hodgepodge of sharing.
There is dust on more than the bookshelves here, I'm only cleaning once a week and if someone visits on the dusty days, they're welcome to finger a note. :-)
39F today, up to 63 tomorrow and dropping back to 30 for Easter Sunday.

NanaDiana said...

GREAT post. I'm with you- a black coffee gal through and through! Don't do tea-though I've tried. Tea does not like me!

I have been working on BOOKSHELVES all morning. Seriously! I am finally paring down all the books I have collected for the last 40 years! Some to a friend, some to GW and several packed and parceled out to my kids.

71 In WI tomorrow? Seriously? How did I miss THAT news?

LUCY is DARLING. Love how cute she is--happy birthday to your little sweetie. xo Diana

Terri D said...

Another fun Hodgepodge! Lucy is adorable, and it's hard to believe she is a year old!! Time flies!

Lynne said...

So you live near Wausau ? Wondering . . .

Susie said...

Judy, I have missed coming by your blog...I think the little ones are truly adorable. So sweet. Hope you are enjoying some good weather. It was so nice here today..I loved it. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie

Chatty Crone said...

I cracked a book too! And I can't remember the last time I stayed up all night - and when the last time that I got up at the crack of dawn - when is that? lol

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

I came over to see if you were back yet. This was a fun post all the way through, but Lucy stole the show! :)

Empty Nester said...

I appreciate the sunrise too. Plus, Tucker doesn't let me sleep past 5:13. Ha! Am I crazy or do I see you in the granddaughter? All are so cute!

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

Dust, propped up photos, little ornaments, and a sprig of silk ivy. Stuff on my bookshelf.

Wishing you a great day ...
Brenda 💐😊

betty said...

Lucy is so cute! I always enjoyed the Peter Rabbit series along with the kids when they were younger :)

betty

Anonymous said...

I adore the photos of the grandchildren. Lucy's looks sweet in her party dress! I know they will all enjoy Easter!

Vee said...

1. right, I hear you...oh those precious grandbabies...so cute! They're going to be fine friends. Thanks you for the scone recipe. My grandmama said "skon" and I say scooone; either way, they are delicious. Many blessings this Easter.

Vee said...

"thanks you" is another way to say "many thanks" 😊

Elizabeth Edwards said...

aww, all the little ones are too cute. what sweethearts!! i love books. looks like you have a bunch that you love. i was dusting mine the other day ... dust is not cool. it always works against me??! Happy Easter!! time is flying by so quickly. i can not believe is is here this weekend. feel like sometimes it is later. i guess it is ... my Mom & I always talk about spiders they really do get to work. silly creatures. dust & spiders keep us wondering? i always seem to notice them at the worst times/moments. have a great day!! ( :

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Lovely post, Judy, but I was *shocked* to learn about your dislike of tea! (Did I know that before and forget it, or is that a new revelation?) Anyway ... it left me speechless! :D

EG CameraGirl said...

Lucy is so cute! I enjoyed reading your answers. Welcome home!

Unknown said...

What a fun post!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. And, I'm going to have to try making the scones; they look delicious...especially with a cup of good coffee!

Debbie Harris said...

Judy,I always enjoy reading your Hodgepodge. You captivate me with your answers.
Those scones, wow do they look scrumptious! When I can eat those types of good again I will certainly give them a try.

Have a blessed Easter.
Joy! Debbie

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I've always said sCONE. However you say it, the recipe sounds delicious and I've saved it. Thanks!
Your grandchildren are adorable. Happy Birthday to Lucy!
I'm behind on blog reading, so I'll have to come back when I have more time to read about your trip. It's good to see you back!
Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!




CraveCute said...

I think I love everything in your Hodgepodge, rabbits, books, scones oh my ...
Have a wonderful Easter!

Donna Wilkes said...

All the things I learned about you - delightful. I am glad to see someone else who leaves a tiny bit of Christmas out.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Enjoyed reading through your thoughts! :)

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