Lemon Garlic Chicken

 I wanted something fresh and citrusy and you know how I love aromatic sauces. I search high and low for ways to cook chicken so that I am not bored, since chicken isn't a favorite, never has been. I much prefer seafood's or red meats. This dish didn't disappoint on any level! So delicious. Very easy to throw together and plenty of leftovers. Not to mention the yummy "mopable" (is that a word?) sauce! I think next time I may chop some fresh Italian parsley for color because if not for my asparagus, there would have been a need for greens.
Sorry I didn't snap a photo for ya.. I may have drank the remainder of the white wine?

8 chicken thighs
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp course ground pepper
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cups thinly sliced sweet onions
2 heads of garlic, peeled and smashed, dont be frightened, do it!
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ( 3 lemons)
1 cup warm chicken broth

350 degree oven preheated

Season chicken with half the salt and all of the course ground pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in flour, and brown all sides in hot oil in a large oven safe saute pan. ( about 5-6 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
 On med high heat, Add the onions to the oil and scrape while browning. (about 3 minutes)Add the garlic, red pepper, remainder of salt. cook 1 minute. Add wine, and scrape down again. (whiff #1)
Add lemon juice, chicken broth, and chicken pieces. (whiff #2, ahhh)
Bring mixture to a good simmer, cover tightly and bake in oven 15 minutes. Remove the lid, stir a bit, cook 15 minutes longer. (uncovered).

Serve with a crusty french bread for soaking, and maybe a light pasta such as angel hair or fettucini. ( I  steamed some asparagus and the bread. ( avoiding the carbs when I can?)

Thank You Denver Quilt Show!

Winners List Click HERE

Best in Show
for Me and Pat Munroe!!

  (Seven Dysfunctional Sisters) 

Congratulations to us!
Now Imma go turn the hose on myself!

Scuse me.

Remember the Geisha Girl Quilt???

 "A winner is someone who recognizes his God-given talents, works his tail off to develop them into skills, and uses these skills to accomplish his goals."

Larry Bird

The Garden Evolution

I was out and about early this morning running errands, and decided to pop into the local Goodwill shop. I am on the hunt for cheaper than cheap garden/yard art.(and a cow bell) I found THIS treasure for a whole dollar! A medium sized clay pot, painted to look a bit Greek-Y? I love it! I especially love the price!





This is a new invention Mufasa made for me last week end. I now must fill those pots! Isnt it cute? I need the cowbell for the end of the rope. I think I can market this item:) Going down the row live our succulents, cactus boxes, and my happy flower pot! I really have no idea why this brown thumbed quilter is interested in patio gardening, but I'm rolling with it? Next thing ya know she'll be getting a KITTEN and eating chocolate!
WHAT??????????????????
Oh! Speaking of kittens... check out my sick lil buried cat near the cactus. I LOL everytime I walk out the door! Thanks Linda:)
Enjoy the shots, I'm off to quilt something!

ABOVE FAKE BURIED CAT >>>LMAO!

Getting Busy

"It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly."– Isaac Asimov

Good morning:) This yummy quilt awaits my attention this morning! Its called "Coffee and Cream".

 I want an entire guest room built around it. But its not mine:( grunt.

I tortured myself for hours last evening with thread choices. I have decided on a thin black with sheen. (Glide) I have an urgency to piece a quilt soon. Alert the media! It doesnt happen often. It must be that new cheetah fabric staring at me daily right? Or those batiks calling my name.

 I feel another YIKES coming on! 

 I am truly behind in everything now. The house, the quilting, the paperwork. My fault. Time management blew a tire somewhere between Arroyo Grande and Cambria. Or was that Morro Bay and Stockton? Who knows, but management needs to get back on track pretty darn soon before I find myself in a rubber room. Heres a song that helps to keep me somewhat sane of late.......Humbling, and calming.

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I'm hunting down a clipboard and getting busy. Enjoy your Tuesday and wish me Gods speed running down the list!

Blogger's Block? MM

"It is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him."
– John Steinbeck

I guess its possible right? Bloggers block? Frankly, the last few weeks it has been quite difficult to come over here to chat. I suppose its understandable. I wont beat myself up too much over it.
This is a great grand girl picture from last weeks quick visit. They put on a great dance show for Nonni while I rested from the drive! I miss 'em already.
How was your Easter week end? While we didnt get any family time in, we did manage to work in the yard and garden and even dine with friends.That rock garden is coming along nicely and we are having fun with it. I 'll be snapping shots soon for ya!
I'm anxious to get back on my machine and put spring break away! Things get all goofy when routines are changed. Or I'm just getting old and set in my ways? LOL ( dont say it).
Have a marvelous Monday!
MM Include:

Pretty rock gardens
Nurseries to stroll through
Baby Grands
Finding my Pandora!
Quilts to quilt
Support systems
not bloggers block.

(I love saying) Hi Honies! I'm Home!

Home and back to it. Yep yep yep, I must. This was a fast and fun twin with lime neon thread... Love my limes:)  The trip was a fast and emotionally, PLUS physically draining jaunt over but guess what? Yep, I am still breathing! I know this must sound quite odd but I find myself dumbfounded at how life keeps freight train-ing along no matter the crisis. I was able to see all family and most friends. Love up on my baby grands, say a not so "good" bye to my beautiful neice, and I even had time for a visit with Mr. Wizard. (thank God eh?) I explained to him how I am afraid I have been seared with scars that I didnt earn, and do not want. We agreed that it really isnt time to stop my therapy. ( YA THINK?)It was good to see him, and I shall happily continue. For now, glad to be home and re couperating while loading my next beauty. I think I'll go work on Jamie's tee shirts first. Happy Friday, pass the scissors:)

"We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results."– Herman Melville

Headed Out For Family Days

Wish that it were better circumstances, but glad to have time with all of them just the same.
I will check in when I can.
LYG, Be good!

MM include:

A very good family:)

Low & Slow Best Baby Backs

Good morning:) I am a busy beaver this week in preparation to join my family next week. We are all trying to be strong and get things done. Thank you for all of your notes, as it really means a lot. I am off to jammie quilt this morning, as soon as I put on a Pot O Beans:)

If you like sweet and savory fall off the bones baby backs, try this easy recipe tonight!

This is also great on Beef ribs off your prime rib. I just love ribs, don't you?

Dry Rub:

3/4 cups dark brown sugar

3/4 cups sugar

1/4 cup kosher salt

1/8 cup course ground black pepper

1/8 cup paprika

2 slabs baby back ribs

Combine  dry rub ingredients and slather all over the ribs. Wrap ribs tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.

Place on baking sheet lined with foil, and cover with foil as well. Bake at 275 for 2 1/2 hours.

Remove and baste with sauce below. You can now grill or roast 2o minutes longer(uncovered) while basting a few times.

Sauce:

2 parts chili sauce

1 part honey

Blend well in food processor or blender

I wake Up & She's SIX!!!

Happy Birthday to my Lovie!!

Why cant she stay 4? This sleepy head wakes up to a donut, and a whole new chapter of life.

It's going too fast I tell you. Way too fast.

Have a fun school day Missy , watch for the mail man and I will see you in a few days!

I love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quiet Days Of Reflection

It is with great pain that again have to report yet another horrid tragedy in my family. How I ask you this can happen in ones lifetime is just incomprehensible to me and mine. I debated as to whether or not to even post, but in preserving history, and keeping to my unplugged promise, I suppose I must, but I shall be brief.
 My beautiful niece of only 33 years of age has been welcomed into heaven unexpectedly for reasons unknown to us yet.
This fine, fierce, friendly, fun and faithful woman will be sorely missed.
Katie, give Munz & Mom a big hug, and you guys save a seat for me. I love you, I don't understand. I dont understand at all.

A Celebration of Life honoring Kathryn Elisabeth will be held next week.
PS: Send all angels for this family :(

Winner Of Thread Haul

As we light a path for others, we naturally light our own way.
Mary Anne Radmacher



Number 25...............Lisa! Congratulations!

 Please email me your snail mail address:)

gina@deargina.com

Thanks to everyone for playing. Lets do it again soon:)
LYG
G

PS: I used random generator for the draw and could not copy/paste the winning picture. Grunt.

Drawing!::::::Thread Gift For you!::::::::Drawing!

"If you always do what you have always done

 you will always get what you have always got."

Henry Ford.

Good Mornin`. As promised I finally got around to this blogabout! I believe in PIF. (paying it forward)  Or back, or around, or random acts of kindness any way you can slice it! It makes me happy. Happy is good. Just like secret sister gifts, stitch and bitch nights, surprise packages in the mail for no apparent reason, fresh cut flowers on my table, stolen kisses, fresh brewed coffee smells, crank calls from the grand kids.... :::::sigh::: its just plain ole fun k? Therefore,  I have a great gift for you! I have been blessed with a boatload of these lucious strands of bliss, and I would like to share. 80 Thousand yards of
pet-able thread! Damn the torpedos! (I mean shipping charges)

Just drop me a note down there in the comment box,
A second one saying you clicked on "follow me",
A third shot if you link back to me from your own site!

Three chances at pulling a rabbit out of my hat! (thread out of my bin?)
If , by chance you already follow, just say so!
 I will draw on Monday evening and post the winner for a tell all Tuesday! ( I miss Mr Wizard)
Good luck to all of you peoples, I am grateful that you are here for my first cuppa in the morning, I love yer guts!



PIA?

This is the SECOND TIME Idol seriously pissed me off this season!
I understand that I already blogged this morning for a Foodie Friday, however while I am alternating quilting with a dry rub concotion for tomorrows baby back ribs, I have this cheek burning going on and it isnt a hot flash! ( thank Mankind for HRT). While so many tragic, horrid things go on around the world, one might find it so trivial to concern themselves with fuming over a television program.  Heres my pondering on that...... Its a distraction from ALL of it. meant for entertainment purposes. Channel changing, respite for one little hour in my day.  Not try to fool the public, piss em off, or all of the other things going on around the world that warrant that kind of emotion.
Could it actually be a voting issue where say girls are the prevelant voters and they dont like other girls? They spend all thier votes on goofy ears Durban?
Maybe its a lack of Simonisms? Cheerleading unconstructive critisisms panel of 2011 judges?
I bet you a quarter that Simon is lurking in the wings and signed PIA 2 minutes after the show aired!
Do you remember the night the judges saved Casey? It was so staged.. come on!
Could it be how to get ratings without Paula and Simon around?
<---pissed I tell you!
OK... Off my chest. Scuse me while I go slap some meat around for awhile to finish off the vent job:) Then I'll relax with a glass of wine and quilt until I purr. Grunt.

Mustard & Thyme Riblets

Do you get bored with same ole same ole recipes that you use? I do too. Especially with Steaks or lamb. In this case, its lamb. My Mother loved to make little lamb riblets in the skillet with lots of spices. She gnawed on them like she was in heaven. It must be where I get my gnawing tendencies?( usually on a pork chop bone). I've been playing with a new recipe the other night and didnt have a lot of faith in the flavors going in but to my pleasant surprise, I hit it on the last try!!  Eee chee Ban! I'm certain that the two different mustards was the key. I think next time I will make this with a leg of lamb! It is super simple and packed with flavor!

1 lb Lamb riblets
------------------------------------------
Marinade:
2 TBLSP Smooth Dijon mustard
2 Tblsp grainy deli mustard (that has horseradish)
2 Tblsp white wine (not much to sacrifice doncha think?)
2 Tblsp finely chopped Thyme
4 Tblsp Olive Oil
----------------------------------
Serve with:
Mint Jelly

Mix all marinade ingredients well. Place riblets in a large Ziploc bag and add the mixed marinade. Refrigerate over night or at least 6 hours.
Preheat your grill pan (use the rippled kind to keep fat off and make pretty marks) Grill over medium heat and cook 12-15 minutes (turning midway) depending on how you like your meat cooked. We like it medium rare.
I think these would be great on the BBQ if you can keep the fire off the fat! (say no to fat)
I served this with mint jelly, and a Pear & Gorgonzola salad. I really wanted some couscous or some kind of starch, but my diet says nooooooooooo.grunt.



"I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible,

to be honorable, to be compassionate.

It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something,

 to have made some difference that you lived at all."
Leo Rosten

Thursday Un Thoughts

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. 

 ~Author Unknown

I've got that feeling today. The overwhelmed, Ive got too much to do, I cant see any accomplishments, and I'm just hungry feeling. GRUNT.

My brain has so many racing thoughts that I cant put one whole one on paper! ( screen)

I was going to give you a divine recipe I made last evening, but I looked and it wasnt foodie friday? Then I thought I'd have a giveaway for thread. I gots tons and want to share. But that would mean locating the camera under cones and cones of thread. repeat grunt. I am now yelling at myself to GET UP and get to work on at least ONE of the things on the list. But I'm hungry. I get the shakes if I dont eat. If I dont eat RIGHT that is. Maybe I'll boil eggs and eat one. I cant get my bloodwork done because I drank coffee. I can do the dishes I lazily left in the sink last night, but that would mean getting wet, and I'm cold. :::whiney brat this morning eh?:::: Can I go back to bed? BRB

OK, sorry. I smacked myself silly and poured a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats and a hard boiled egg. Made some fresh coffee and I feel slightly human again. Good thing huh?

Not sure whats higher, the stacks of paperwork to go through, or the thread to make sense of. Oh wait! Its the quilts I need  to quilt! No! Its the dishes in the sink! Shit. Maybe I need to go eat again. Still racing thoughts. I hate that! Scuse me while I go pull my head outa my... well... shower and get busy, hows that?

Love yer guts, stay tuned for divine lamb riblet dish, and a thread giveaway! ( when I pull my head outa.......)

If I don't I wont be able to watch Idol tonight guilt free! I wish I could vote off a few myself this week. Grunt. Hey I have a question. Is it far enough into the season to give James Durban some cash to pin his ears back with? Can one have an ear job? Oh I am so bad, bad, bad.
<-----secretly wishes I were PIA, (with my wisdom, of course)

Sewing Center Desk

WOW! Can I have one of these???? WOW! I understand that it would RARELY look like the closed up version but WOW! Way to open my droopy coffee sipping eyes! Its called the scrapbox . Go watch the video.  I already filled mine up in my head...lol I think those shallow outer walls is a great place for a mini design "block" wall! (s)
Hey heather, this would also be great for your space!
I have to do double time this morning as I spent all of yesterday running errands. Maybe I should make my new day off on Mondays. Funnily enough most of my former career life I had Sunday/Monday off. I could be pre programmed. I'll ponder that. I seem to be outside more than in these days due to SUNSHINE! We got our three lil veggies in the ground last evening and thay are so cute. I know this is quite trivial to all of you saged gardeners, however I have never fancied moving the earth around. It dirties my nails, I'd much rather point. I'm finding it kind of theraputic now. Dont expect me to be mowing anything soon. I'm not THAT into it. As I crawled up the hillside pulling what seems to be mountains of weeds, I wondered why in the heck my Sissy enjoys this sport. I watch her dig, pull, plant, and play and I ask her why with all of her resources cant she just hire one good gardener? She always laughs and tells  me its her creation. I suppose I can understand that. It may be like me hiring a piecer to make my quilts. Hey!! What a great idea!!!
<---shameless.
Anyway, putting this seemingly blank canvas of a yard and garden together is more like birthing  little creations. Here is a photo of the three lil veggies, day one. LOL

Now Mufasa wishes to plant a watermelon patch. Gina the farmer. Who knew?

No Tech Week End

"Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself." Doris Lessing



And I'm having withdrawls! I turned off the world for a few days, phone and all. No Facebook, no emails, no blogabouts...nada. On Saturday we enjoyed yard sale shopping, ::Junkin::: and worked in our garden. I did find a perfect little rain boot with succulents inside, a little treasure for sure. Sunday I wanted so badly to be with friends for a birthday celebration but could not be. I wonder if THATS why I was sick all day? I have no idea what came over me but I woke up sick and stayed that way until about 2 hours ago. I now feel fine. Hmmmmmm Something I ate? I personally think its time for friends and family injection. I havent heard my baby grands voices in far too long.
While moving earth around all week end I decided to try my hand at farming. I bought some red bell peppers and Linda brought me a cherry tomato. Now, admittedly, I am afraid of big fat hairy worms. The one and only time we tried to grow our own food the worms came and we ran around the backyard screaming and yelling! We ended up calling some guys to remove all plants while we hid in the house. Stupid, but brutally honest. I whole heartedly wish to grow my own goods, so please oh please dont let the worms come over!
The rock garden has expanded quite a bit and the interest out here is just so eye pleasing and relaxing! I cant wait until the grands see the snake in the branches and run in the house screaming. I laughed the entire time planting the fake tree in anticipation. ( bad Nonni).
The highlight of the no tech week end was when I found THEE PERFECT meyers lemon tree! It wasnt easy either. Now ya know no self respecting latin woman would be without her limon` tree right? Of course right. Now do ya think I could find thee perfect pot for her? Nope. Shes still lonely with no forever home out there, but, with tons of blossoms and sun coming, she will smile soon:) I was going to get a half oak planter, but frankly, they are so heavy and other pots so bright and cheery that I passed. 3 times I passed.
With much work yet to do outside it will have to wait for quilts are calling! We have a huge yard, all uphill and full of weeds. Most noteably, 4 hands between us only.Time. The answer to everything.....grunt.
Have a marvelous Monday Dear Blog Readers, missed ya:)

M & M's include:

No Sales Tax Saturday at Miners!
Perfect lemon tree
Fake snake giggles
Diggin or dishin dirt with those ya love.
All day sew in's!
NOT no tech week ends
Chatting with strangers at yard sales...lol

Serious Sew In

 I think its pretty darn cool that I am quilting on my BFF's Quilt in one spot, while she is pumping out the very next quilt!

LOL Linda and I had a great sew in day! We need a few more of them to finish right? We did manage to steal away for a bite to eat, but other than that, several sewing hours! The houses and snowballs that I'm working on is beautiful, however I cannot wait to load that New York Beauty! I was watching her piece it from the corner of my eye and amazed at the ease of the curved piecing. I'd lie to say I'll try it one day, but not sure about that! There are so many UFO's piled up now of mine that I dare not start another. Hey! I have a great idea! I could barter with my piecer to finish mine! Hmmmmmm
Ah the yummy ideas while drinking coffee.....
I'm off to find hidden treasure at yard sales! Have a good Saturday!

April Fools Cobra Idea

Good mornin`. I was having a thought. Go figure. With all of this talk about the lost Cobra in New York, its been bugging me. In the photo below you see our growing rock garden. Do you peoples remember the wine tree trunk on my walls in past? It held six bottles of wine? Well, I decided when I moved here not to keep any wine on walls again, however I have a sentimental spot for this darn tree trunk! Mufasa and I purchased it in Monterey an eternity ago. I need to keep it. I could be an up and coming hoarder, who knows. Anyway, this morning the news of course again is either Libya, Cobra, or sunshine. I walked out onto the patio wondering where the lil snakester might be hiding and very happy it was just about five thousand miles away. Then it hit me. In a few short months I could have snakes right here in my own back yard! As my blurry eyes scanned the hillside full of good hiding places for snakes it made me wonder if I could use the old OWL theory and put my own snake in the gaden winding it through the wine tree trunk and SCARE off any lurking beasts near by!!! Brilliant!! Right?? If I hadnt run this by you it would have been THE BEST April fools Joke played on Mufasa!!!
So imagine with me if you will a realistic snake intertwined in these holes and tell me what you think!! I am going to Google fake snakes and buy one.. send a picture of the finished product to Ellen and see if she will THEN call me over for a cuppa! I keep expecting her to find me on Twitter, but it hasn't happened yet.:::different blogabout:::
The best news is that our rock garden is really becoming interesting and I'll be showing it to you soon. I must admit that with all this sunshine its been darned hard to quilt inside! In addition to that I am working on a custom and its a slow go-er. I am also still stabilizing tee shirt blocks times 60!!!
Guilt just waved over me, I better go now. Grunt. Have a great day:)