Proof That I Collect Cookie Jars

I suppose technically anything you have more than 2 off qualifies as a collection. Here are the stoves in their natural habitat. 3 of them live on top of the fridge and one is hidden away.

This is the first stove I ever got. My mom gave it to me and her sister gave it to her as a wedding present. That makes this cookie jar 47 years old. Most of the original gold trim is worn away - because mom used it when we were kids. However, I do not use it. It has a hairline crack down the back and I'd like to keep it in one piece long enough to give my grandkids.

This was the second stove cookie jar I got. This was a gift from my sister. I don't know where she got it, but it is the one that gets used the most. That probably why the lid got dropped and the little tea pot that is the nob for lifting the lid for access to the cookies is chipped.

The next year, I got this one for Christmas. Again from my sister (this is because her and I decided I would collect stove shaped cookie jars - so she had the inside scoop). If any are an Aga - this would my guess.

The last one I have is one that my sister found at an antiques store. Unfortunately it arrived broken. JB started repairing it, but it hasn't been finished. It's sad, because it's a really pretty stove.

People Enjoy This?

Today I made 4 dozen cranberry walnut oatmeal cookies. But see, you all have to understand - I am not now nor have I ever been the baker in our house. That is JB's job. But last week I was emailing VDKnitter and she happened to mention that Mr. VDKnitter was sick. You might all remember that we went to visit them in April, prior to Mr. being deployed. Well JB promised that he would send Mr. homemade cookies and that hasn't been done yet. Then I found out that Mr. was sick - so I had to bake cookies. The problem is - I don't have a mixer. Reality is - while I can cook, sew my own clothes and knit socks for others, I do.not.bake. For whatever reason my baking generally turns out hard - JB generally compares my efforts to charcoal briquettes. I'm just not good at it, in fact, while making oatmeal cookies today, I almost forgot to add the oatmeal. Yes, you did read that right. Anyway - I got all the ingredients in the bowl. Mixed together and then dropped by spoonfuls onto the cookies sheets. Tonight they will be going into the freezer and early next week - they will be packaged and mailed for a nice little treat. VDKnitter - can you email me the address again?

Yarnny Birthdays

I have a birthday coming up. It's not a "Big 0" birthday like one a certain bloggy friend, it's a half. But for some reason it's been really hard. Well my knitting friends knew that. So this week when I showed up at knitting - I was tired and just sitting there for awhile before getting out my knitting. When along came Miss D with a pie (homemade pumpkin cheesecake) with one sparkling candle. I was shocked and surprised. Everyone helped celebrate my birthday early and big fun was had. Miss D - however, always comes through with the snarky, perfectly appropriate, fabulous gifts. This time, there was a lovely little tea set - which had a great tea bag holder, a heart shaped infuser and some huckleberry tea. Also in the package was a new doggy notepad.

There were some fabulous cocktail napkins. I haven't unwrapped them -so there is glare off the plastic. But they say, "Seize the moment! Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart." Erma Bombeck We have now decided that's how we are going to live our lives.

The final blurry picture is of the fabulous embroidered runner and doilies. They will be gracing the floating shelves in the studio. They will help beautify my sanctuary - and give me something to stop and stare at while enjoying a great cup of tea and contemplate the next step in a project.

Thanks Miss D - for making what's been so hard much easier :)