My sugar girl, and I love her, came
Folk artists from China sell their work on Ebay. I have a very similar painting to this. I love their colorful padded clothing.
This is television at it's best. Do not miss this. The segment on the situation of women in China is something that must be seen. Read about the program and get scheduling for your area here.
When I was in school, my favorite professor could rhapsodize about his primrose patch. Now, I love this bright little flower. They are cold-hardy and are out in the nursery with the first of the spring plants. They are cheap and 4 inch pots are less than $2. Sadly, I kill them all the time, because I love to have them in a pot in the house and they don't like it in here, but they are the perfect happy little Valentine flower, so I have to have them inside.
Our favorite author around here of late. We wanted to know what she looked like, and this is her. And, this site tells about her, and there is even a fun fan site for Clarice Bean, and we luuuuuuv her! But we especially love our new Princess and the Pea. Thanks Aunt Jenni!!!
Traditional red with hearts & flowers...
I worked hard today to make all these be trues
for the conversation hearts collections.
...which I plan to wrap like bon bons... 
This is an amazing artist, Kim Jelley, selling on Ebay...
Do not miss this issue of Country Living. I finally got my copy today. Where has it been, I do not know. I have been waiting and waiting for it. Anyway, it has the best article about Alexandra's style, and has photos of her ribbon closet, her quilt collection, her lovely bedroom, her color palette (which is also mine, I'm so excited about that). It is so beautiful you just won't believe it!!! And, I forgot to say there is a picture of the famous ribbon tablecloth that she designed a long time ago, but I have always wanted to see and she even tells how to make it.
And, it was really good.2 Tbsp. butter
2 small onions
1lb. butternut squash, peeled seeded & cubed
5c. chicken stock
8oz. potatoes, peeled & cubed
1tsp. paprika
1/2 c. whipping cream (optional)
1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives, plus a few whole chives to garnish
Salt/ Pepper to taste.
Melt butter in a large pan. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the squash, stock, potatoes and paprika. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 35 min. until all the vegetables are soft. Pour into a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the pan. Stir in the cream, if using. Season with salt and pepper and reheat hently. Stir in the chopped chives just before serving. Garnish each serving with a few whole chives.
Thanks to Nicholai for the recipe and the cookbook for Christmas!
