A lull right now

Nothing much to blog about recently.  Still going about day-to-day activities waiting for spring to arrive. It must be getting close, because I find myself turning down the car heater and occasionally opening the windows to cool off.  The sun's angle has something to do with that.  The recent snow storms are still visible with high banks and still very white snow but that's likely to change soon. Also noticing different varieties of birds at the feeder which is a sign of spring.  And of course pot holes and orange barrels are popping up.

Considering a trip, but can't decide where to go.  Road trips are enjoyable, if they weren't so boring to get there and back.  Air travel is so restrictive and stressful I don't think it is worth the hassle. Perhaps a trip by train is worth considering.  Maybe to Canada?  Canadian Train Vacations

Getting Crafty

Early this year I joined a Craft Club run by the Milwaukee Recreation Department at a local park. My neighbor has been going for awhile and I thought it might be interesting. I'm not especially crafty so I'm a little anxious about how I'll do. The club meets Tuesday mornings and the first four weeks are behind me so I'll share the results.

Macrame Jewelry.  Pretty easy to do, and a way to use up Mardi Gras beads, but I don't expect to wear the results.
Cards for Men & Boys.  I was at a loss on how to even start this.  I'm not especially pleased with these results but might try again on my own.  I never realized there are "kits" for making my own cards.
Fabric Hearts.  This was so far my favorite craft.  The result is on display in my home for the "Valentine" season.  But it was quite messy - I was covered with glue!
String Cards.  Back to greeting cards, but this time I did better.  I might even give these cards to people I know!

Nine more crafts to learn before the semester is over.  Can't wait for the Whirley Gig craft on our last day!

Places of Worship

DPS: Places of Worship, a set on Flickr.

I follow an online Digital Photography School weekly assignments. A recent theme I really enjoyed was this one. When weather permitted I was outside with my camera at a variety of locations. Some days were just too cold, so I found memorabilia to shoot inside.

Another reason to buy wine by the case

I wanted to make a "light box" and found an inexpensive way to do it.  See my Photography board on Pinterest, or ask me - it's pretty easy.

The first thing I needed was a large box so I use one from my favorite wine store, The Wine Cellar.

1.  Cut windows on all sides

2. Glued white "Bristol Board" to frame  inside

3. Cover three windows and top with white muslin

4. Add a "day" light on top.

I now have a pretty nifty "light box" to use when I want to photograph small stuff.

Happy Cow from my Pewter animal collection

Mini beer stein I use for toothpicks

Wisconsin Brats - Winterized

What a treat in January - or any month for that matter.  Brats made on the stove that taste like they were cooked on a grill.

Pack of 5 brats
1 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 Large onion thickly sliced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 Bottle of beer (12 ounces)
4 Tablespoons whole grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon caraway seed

1. Heat 1 Tablespoon of oil in 10" fry pan.
2. Brown brats on all sides - about 5-10 minutes. Remove from pan to rest awhile.
3. Add to pan, 1 onion thickly sliced; 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Saute until onions are nicely browned - about 10 minutes.
4. Add 1 bottle of beer; 4 Tablespoons of whole grain mustard; and 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed to onions in pan.  Heat until simmering.
5. Add the browned brats and allow to simmer uncovered for about 12-15 minutes.  Turn a few times to make sure the brats are fully cooked.