Painting, Cable TV and Internet

Well, I am officially on vacation this week and we have been busy around the house.

First, I’ve been having trouble with my internet connection through AT&T.  I’ve had 3 modems (wireless) in less than a year and this last one keeps going in and out.  I never had a problem with internet service when Bellsouth was independent of AT&T.  So we went to our local cable company and got cable TV and internet.  I really like it.  Now I have to call Bellsouth and cancel their service including the phone as we all have cell phones.

Second, we are painting the inside of the house, starting with the living room and hallway; ceilings too.  Then we will work on the other rooms.  I doubt we will get it all done in a week, but we are making a good head start on it.

Goodies From a Friend!

We had a Fall/Halloween gift exchange on one of the groups I belong to.  It’s a lot of fun.  And we get to give and receive unique items from each other.  I received from Lillian a beautiful reversible apron, Santa earrings, Pumpkin buttons, a bracelet, a pearl bead ring and a pocket photo album.  She also made the bags to put each one in. 

I’m lucky to have such talented friends.

I WON!!

…..2 blue ribbons and 1 white at our Fair!  One blue for one of my photos, one blue for my knitted purse and one white (3rd place) for my itty bitty polymer clay rose.  Not bad.  Made me happy.

Talented Friends

Don’t you love friends who are talented!?!  I certainly do.  One of my friends (from Maine) made me a special gift.  Her and her hubby come down here for the winter every year and she brought me the two snow people that she made (see picture).  They are both made from socks.  Wonderful Christmas decorations!  I think I will set them under our Christmas tree this year.

Butternut Squash

I really like butternut squash.  Cut lenghtwise, scoop out the seeds, place face down on a baking sheet with a little water.  Bake for about 30 minutes at 350-400 degrees.    Once cooked, just scoop out the flesh, add some butter, salt and pepper and mash well. 

It’s a somewhat sweet squash, reminds me of sweet potatoes. 

I just found a butternut squash muffin recipe  and, of course, I had to alter it some.  So here it is for you adventurous types.

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed

1 1/2 cups self rising flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

3/4 cup of milk

1 egg

1 Tbsp butter, melted

1/2 – 1 cup nuts (optional)

1/2 to 1 cup raisins (optional)

Boil the squash in a pan of water until soft.  Drain, mash or puree.  I prefer to mash with a potato masher.  In a mixing bowl combine the milk, sugar, butter, egg, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Mix well.  Add the flour and mix well.  Then add the squash.   Again, mix well.   This is where you will add the nuts and raisins if you prefer.  Fill muffin cups about 1/2 to 3/4 full.  Bake at 400 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes or until done.