Stuff!

There's a hint of Fall in the air this morning.  We got some much needed rain yesterday and as it cleared overnight, we were gifted with cooler, drier air.  

What a great night for sleeping!

Mr. Painted Quilt and I have been sharing in the Ollie sitting and training duties which has allowed me some free time to work in my sewing studio.  I was able to complete the fifth block of the Comfort & Joy quilt hosted by Anne at Cottons 'N Wool and am currently working on September's First Friday Freebie.

My appliqued blocks are done in wool-on-cotton and I'm using mostly homespuns for the piecing.

  
If you'd like to see the blocks that the other gals have done, be sure to visit Anne's blog by clicking on the link above and then on the names within the post.  It's fun to see all the different versions and interpretations of the same design.

At yesterday's hooking group, my friend Diane brought in some zucchinis from her garden to share with us all.

I took two home and made these zucchini loaves last night. 

Ollie kept me company as I did the prep work, sleeping at my feet just in case I needed some help...or in case I dropped something.

Here's the recipe...

Zucchini Bread

3 C flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

3 tsp cinnamon

3 eggs

1 C vegetable oil

2 1/4 C white sugar

3 tsp vanilla extract

2 C shredded zucchini

1 C chopped walnuts (optional)

1 C raisins (optional)

1. Grease and flour 2-8" x 4" loaf pans.  Preheat oven to 325 F.

2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda and cinnamon together in a bowl.

3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla and sugar together in a large bowl.  Add sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and beat well.  Stir in zucchini, nuts and raisins until well combined.  Pour batter into prepared pans.

4.  Bake for 40-60 minutes or until tester in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes then remove from pans and cool.

Yesterday we picked the first crop of tomatoes from our kitchen garden.  In spite of the very hot and dry summer, we're pleased with the yield and there promises to be lots more.

I envision many salads, grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and baked tomatoes in our upcoming meals.

Ollie is continuing to grow by leaps and bounds and he's not doing too badly for an eleven week old pup.  Of course some days are better than others and I have to keep reminding myself that he is still a baby.  Just one look at that face and all is forgiven.

Honest, Mom...it wasn't me.  Frankie did it!

Have a super day!