Robin Tolbert

She

- robin

Larry looked at me this morning, and said: I love it when you work on a Komen quilt. It makes you happy.

After he left for work, I thought about what he said. I am always flattered when he compliments me, but this is different. When I am making a Komen quilt, I feel like I am giving back in some small way. {Early detection saves lives. Have your mammogram}

The Komen quilt, that I call “She” for some unknown reason, has been started.

Photo: Komen Quilt in progress

For now, everything is being hand pieced. After I have the blocks pieced, who knows what will happen?

Photo: hand piecing square. One of my favorite blocks. Churn Dash.
Photo: Cluttered work room today.
Photo: Pink tickets and fabric.

Two donations have been made to Team Believe. Thank you Lisa Aven and Judy Dils. I will get your tickets out to you this week.

I wish you a happy day. Perhaps, stop for a moment and look around you? Life is so precious….right now…I am typing but the birds out front are singing so loudly, I can hear them over my keyboard and thank God for the beautiful serenade. {Because of early detection, I am here to enjoy the beauty.}

Have a perfect day.

Love you beyond the churn dash.

Me

The Shelves

- robin

I am at my work table. Larry is dressing to go into town and to be honest, I am “just here”…

My music for today is the soundtrack from Little Women. The 1994 version. When I was teaching ART classes, I would play music as the students worked. This CD was a favorite of all. Last year when Jami was so ill, one day she texted me, and the text said, Mom, I feel awful and I am listening to the Little Women Soundtrack. Isn’t it amazing how music can generate so many memories?

Photo: One of my favorite soundtracks ever

In more current news, I promised myself that I will walk 2 miles 5 times a week. Larry is helping me stay true to my word by walking with me during his lunch hour. It is hard. Very hard. I am tired and my right hip is acting up. I am walking every mile and that darn Fit Bit is keeping me accountable.

Photo: The view from my work table

In about 50 min, the house will be empty. Larry will be going off to meetings and I will be working on a project. I do not work on certain projects while Larry is home. He likes to look over my shoulder and make sweet comments.

I like it best when he sees a project when it is complete. When it is to my liking and then he can comment…The wonderful thing is, he loves everything that I do. He truly does.

I look over at the shelves {pictured above} while I pause writing. The soundtrack is playing and I feel sweet tugs at my heart.

How can I be so grumpy when so many beautiful things are surrounding me?

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Garlic Cheese Bread

- robin

A few years ago, I saw this bread being made on the food channel. {I was having my nails done and copied the recipe on a scrap of paper} I have put my own spin on the recipe and it has become a favorite. It is fast to put together and delicious. Larry and I love it. Yesterday I was asked to post the recipe. Enjoy.

Photo: The Food Network gets credit

Garlic Cheese Bread

INGERDIENTS:

1 stick unsalted butter~melted

3 Tablespoons olive oil

4 – 6 cloves garlic minced

Kosher salt

1 – 2 teaspoons dried Oregano

1/2 – 1 cup Asiago cheese

1 {about 8″} round loaf of French Country or Sourdough Bread ~ I buy the Kroger bakery bread for this recipe

*****

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Use a bread knife to cut a “hatch pattern into the top of the bread. {stopping short from cutting all the way through the bottom of the loaf, so it stays together.}

In the pan where you melted the butter, add the olive oil and garlic to the butter. Stir often and cook till golden. {Just a few moments}

Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and oregano. Remove from heat.

Gently separate the cubes of bread around the top of the loaf. Spoon garlic butter into the cuts and spread it around the cut surface. Use all butter except 2 Tablespoons.

Slather the rest of the garlic butter on top of the loaf.

Sprinkle the cheese between the cuts and on top of loaf. Wrap the loaf in foil.

Put bread on a baking sheet, bake bread till heated through about 10-15 minutes.

Unwarap the loaf, and bake 5 more minutes till top is crispy..

Serve Immediately and have fun pulling it apart!

Till next time.

Valentine.

Dinosaurs, Flat Tires and New Timers

- robin
Photo: At the fridge, My New Timer!

Yesterday was good. Very good. Larry and I started our day at Church. Rev. Angie had an interesting sermon as usual and a giant hug for me…as usual.

After church, we had to go pick up the tire from my car. We had a flat tire on Saturday. A screw was in it, but it was an easy repair. We picked up the tire after church.

We took the tire home and grabbed a snack and left for the Heard Museum in McKinney Texas. Dinosaurs are part of the nature exhibit now and it was wonderful. I did not have much energy yesterday. I take things one day at a time….who knows what today will bring? {always something good…I can promise you that!}

On Saturday before the flat tire, I bought a new timer for the kitchen. It is really MY TIMER, in other words, hands off to everyone else. I will use it for baking and especially making bread!

The sun is shining into my workroom. Laundry is swirling and I have plans for this morning….I wish you the same wonderful moments.

Love you BEYOND the moon.

Me

Make It Real

- robin
Photo: Flowers from our next door neighbors

Yesterday was a “Blue Thursday”. I have noticed that on any “Blue” day, blessings come from nowhere to support and remind me of what is important.

Yesterday I tried to keep busy. I walked two miles. {that is all I can manage right now} I worked on a baby gift for a dear friend in Germany, am planning a new quilt project and cooked a fun, late dinner. Oh and we went to Costco and bought a bunch of STUFF.

Photo:Beef and cheese Frittata

Photo: Frittata, salad and toast

Larry worked all day and I took advantage of stealing him away on his lunch hour. I did get a lot done yesterday but it does not feel like it at all.

My new project is still in the works. I have so many ideas about it, that it gets confusing.

Photo: New Project

Happy Friday. Happy February tomorrow, happy weekend and don’t forget to make it real.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Quilts and Things

- robin

Someone once said……A bed without a quilt is like a sky without stars. I believe it. Each bed in The Cottage has a quilt.

Pboto: Prairie Crocus Quilt. Hand pieced and hand quilted by robin

Last week, I bought a small bit of fabric to make a quilt to either auction or to raffle off for the KOMEN More Than Pink 5K.

To be honest, I am not sure if there is much interest in my money makers for the annual Komen Race. {Paintings, Quilts, Gift cards, etc}

Perhaps it is just me? Maybe I should try a different something? My mind is blank. The inspiration I have enjoyed is taking a break these days.

On to a brighter note…..so far my life is status quo. The days are filled with mediocrity and putting one foot in front of the other. I appreciate the friends who have circled me with love and care. I am afraid that I understand why some of my friends have moved away from Larry and me. It is completely ok.

When something so overwhelmingly negative takes over your life, you are not very fun to be around….I understand. I just go cuddle under a quilt and read. Books cannot hurt your feelings.

Love you beyond the moon.

Me

Hey Rosemary…

- robin

Have I ever told you that Larry’s favorite ice cream pie is the one the cookbook that you gave me last year? {we have other favorites too, but I am making the pie today and wanted to share.}

Photo: Vintage cookbook from Rosemary, because it is one of her favorite cookbooks and now it is one of mine too.
Photo: Making dessert for tomorrow

Life is so wonderful. You gave me a copy of one of your favorite cookbooks and when I use it, it is almost like we are visiting.

Your friendship means so much to me and I am thrilled that we get to visit in person soon. {making reservations, etc made my day yesterday}

Have a perfect day!

Love you beyond the moon.

Me