Obsessions, superstition and being thankful

Until now, very few people were aware of my obsession. Certainly the Three Sisters know, and actually share in it. My dear friend and running buddy, Mrs. S, is aware. And of course the poor husband knows and declares that my obsession actually teeters into addiction territory. But now you dear reader know my secret too. I love dishes! 

Yea, pretty mild as addictions go. But you have to understand that not only do I have the place setting for 16 of everyday china, and the "good" china from when we got married, but I have dishes for most major holidays. Oh and non-holidays too. See there are dishes for spring in a pretty pink floral. There are two sets of a blue willow type pattern, one of which has castles on it to remind me of a trip to Europe. The Halloween plates are favorites and match these really cute cauldron mugs. And there are all the wonderful fall leaf plates. Oh and the four different patterns of Christmas china that will start gracing the table tonight. And then the Thanksgiving plates. 

And it is these little plates that you should know have haunted me for a couple of years. Until today, the Thanksgiving plates had never been used. See I've been a bit superstitious about them. Up to now, I failed to use them feeling that if I didn't wait until things were all "fixed" that I would somehow jinx myself. I kept saying to myself, "I will use them when I have XX, when I've turned this corner." Not surprising, each year there was a new "XX," a new chapter to fret over.

Mrs. S, knowing things aren't there yet and that it has been a very strange year for me professionally, has been telling me for sometime now, to "get out the dishes and celebrate!" And so today, I did. Not because everything is awesome and super, but because I really do have so much to be thankful for. So today on this post-Thanksgiving day that I've spent pulling out holiday decorations and of course the Christmas dishes, I took a quick break to send "thanks" out to the universe for all that I have in my far-from-perfect world. I ran down my list of all the good in life, catalouging them in a new way that was affirming. And I feel more free now as if I've made room for something bigger; open to the possibility of a different future. And I now know, I should have broken out the plates sooner... - C

We took a little trip...

This pretty girl was close enough to touch if
I had been foolish  to reach out of our jeep window

Hello blog friends. Several of you have asked about our trip, so I thought I'd share with the blogosphere our little trip to AFRICA. Yes, you read that right, we went to Africa. East Africa and specifically to Kenya and Tanzania. 

This was absolutely a trip of a lifetime that I went on with my mother-in-law, hubby and eleven-year old son for 14 days. It was so amazing that I sometimes have trouble even describing the experience well. But as my son said in a school presentation recently, "I went for the animals, but it was the people and the land that was truly amazing!" Enjoy the following quick snaps and stories. 

These little black-faced monkeys were really abundant in the Kilimanjaro area of Kenya. They may look adorable but they are incredibly sneaky. They actually broke into our room at a lodge, opened and ate sugar packets, and absconded with handfuls of granola bars. Another guest at our lodge had her backpack swiped and carried up a tree where the little monkeys rifled her bag, spilling an expensive camera, wallet and more to the ground in their search for food stuff. Beware, they are not to be trusted! 

A new friend at the base of Kilimanjaro

I love elephants.! Seeing elephants was BIG on my bucket list. And not only did we visit a baby elephant orphanage just outside Nairobi where they rescue babies from poachers or just natural peril, but we saw large herds while out on the safari preserves. The largest herd we saw was just at the base of Kilimanjaro on our third day in the country. We counted well over 160 in the group. They were amazing and came within five feet of our open jeep. So close you could see the small hairs among their wrinkled skin. They are so much larger than expected, some of the large bulls bigger than our eight person jeep. They were amazing! And it was clear they were family. The big moms protecting the 6 week old calves, keeping them tucked under legs and on opposite side of the jeep. Sad and shocking to me that poacher are killing them for the ivory trade. 

While we were in Nairobi we actually had the opportunity over lunch to meet with Richard Leakey, son of Louis and Mary Leakey. Mr. Leakey, a paleontologist like his parents (of Olduvai and "Lucy" fame), is also an influential politician and activist fighting against the poaching trade. It was an amazing moment to visit so briefly with someone who is working to preserve the history, heritage, and wildlife of Africa. 

Leopard sightings are rare on the Serengeti.
We woke this guy from a nap on a very hot, sunny afternoon.  

In the Serengeti we had a chance to take an early morning hot air balloon ride over the land to witness the beginning of the "great migration." The migration is the circular movement of over 1.7 million wildebeest, zebra, gazelles and other large animals through the Serengeti. It was an amazing experience to see so many animals in one place, living in relative peace. I captured this zebra below off on his own - - unusual as the zebra and wildebeest typically clump together for protection. 

As mentioned prior, it was the land and people that made some of the biggest impressions. Even in this personally tumultuous year, my problems are small and very "first-world" in comparison to the hardships that is the norm for many in East Africa. We had the privileged to meet and visit with many people across Kenya and Tanzania. This day, we visited a village of over 3,000 people whose village edged Lake Victoria. According to Wikipedia, Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake by area, world's largest tropical lake and the world's second largest fresh water lake by surface area of approximately 26,600 square miles. And this large village, who had no running water or electricity, absolutely relied on the resources it could gain from it. They fished for food and trade, watered their animals, pulled their own drinking water from it, washed their clothes and bodies and the children played it. It was their life stream. The poverty in this place was beyond moving, the need great. But despite their hardship, the people were kind and welcoming. The impression is lasting. 

Another fascinating group of people we visited was the very popular Maasi tribe. Found throughout both Kenya and Tanzania, they are a nomadic, polygamous tribe that subsist solely on small crops, cow herding and from a small portion of hand-made art they sell to tourist. They are well know for their colorful and beaded dress/wraps, and their music. Our visit to a small village of mud domed-shaped homes and stick-crafted school hut was begun with an amazing song and dance that is the traditional welcome.

We saw five different large prides of lions in the
Ngonrongoro crater. This big male had just up a
meal that the females had caught earlier in the morning.

Water buffalo and lions were just some of the many species we encountered in the Ngorongoro Crater. Apparently there are over 25,000 animals and birds that make the crater their home. The crater was formed 2-3 million years ago when a volcano blew itself to bits. The area is now a fertile valley filled with a massive salt lake including the rare black rhino. The crater is the world's largest, inactive and intact unfilled volcanic basin and is over 2000 feet deep and covers more than 260 square miles. The area was named by the Maasi peoples and means the Gift of Life. 

And our visit to Africa was just that, a gift of life. and one our family will never forget. 

Dinner under 30: Salmon with Summer Squash Salsa and Orange, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Baked Salmon with Summer Squash Salsa

I love food and like the other Sisters, I love to cook. However with a full time job and a busy and active life, that includes a 10 year old boy and a husband, I cannot spend tons of time getting a meal on the table. But I want to feed my family really good nutritious food. So my challenge is always to get a meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. Yep, 30 minutes from start to table. And no, I'm not prepping it all on the weekend and reheating during the week - - although that would be smart but I don't always have even that much time. So today, I'm going to share a quick meal that you can make: Salmon with Summer Squash Salsa, and a Beet, Orange and Goat Cheese Salad. Oh and this is one of those loose recipes that I've talked about before...there isn't anything exact here...

Salmon with Summer Squash Salsa and Orange, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

• 4 Salmon fillets (or other thick fish would work)
• 2 Lemons, sliced
• Salt/herb blend
• Butter - - the good stuff
• 1 Yellow Summer Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 1/4 Red Onion
• Jalapeno
• Lime juiced
• Garlic
• Salt/Pepper
• Prepared Guacamole, or slices of avocado
• 2 Navel oranges
• Cooked beets
• 1/2 of herb goat cheese log (I had a log of goat cheese I had rolled in herbs and refrigerated in wax paper earlier in the week)
• Salad greens for 4-6 people (leftovers are awesome)
• Balsamic vinaigrette (purchased)
• Crusty bread (purchased)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. I use a convection toaster oven as it doesn't heat up my kitchen in the summer as my big stove. It cooks a little hotter so if you are using a regular stove, cook at 425. 

Favorite salt rub and good butter

Pat dry the salmon and rub with salt/herb blend. I used a rub that has rosemary, basil and salt in it. But really anything would work - - even just salt and pepper. Slice lemons and lay them on a baking pan covered with foil. They will be the base for the salmon to sit on. Lay out the salmon on lemons, skin side down. Squeeze any leftover lemon over them if you have an end wedge. Top each salmon fillet with a pat of butter (use real and good quality butter, not margarine or spread). Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

Ideally you would make the salsa in advance so the flavors meld a bit, but you can make it and the salad while the fish cooks. Chop the squash, zucchini and onion into small chunks. Mince 1/2 the jalapeno or to taste. Add all the salsa ingredients together. Add the lime juice, a dash or two of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Orange, beet and goat cheese salad. 

Now for the orange, beet, and goat cheese salad. Quickly section 2 navel oranges and set aside. Chop the beets. I love the brand "Love Beets" in the Honey&Ginger flavor. Cut up the goat cheese. Combine all the ingredients and serve salad with the balsamic vinaigrette dressing.  


Okay, the fish should be done. Remove to serving platter or dinner plates. Top each fish with a small amount, maybe 2 TBS, of guacamole. Spoon the summer squash salsa over it. And serve! And enjoy a quick summer meal in under 30 minutes. All the best - Christy 

 

We Are Back with Re-purposed Vintage

Apologies to readers, the Three Sisters Four blog was on hold for a short bit. We had a death in the family and all our extra energy had been focused elsewhere for obvious reasons. We are all still sad and heartbroken over the loss of our loved one, but as life does, we are getting back to things. That feels weird and right all at the same time...

Peacock at the ranch

Our heart is going out to those in Texas and Oklahoma, near Candace, who are suffering with the torrential rains and flooding. Candace and her hubby are battling flooding at the Alpaca ranch - - the dam on their property keeps flooding over and washing out their entrance road. So far they are otherwise safe but the rains are expected to continue in the next few days. Last week during another storm, this peacock took refuge at the ranch. They are not sure where he came from but he seems to have moved on with the newest storms. I also missed blogging about shearing time at the ranch back in early April, but hope to have pics to share with you all soon. 

So the Three Sisters Four are really into vintage. Vintage everything. I have several things to share in the future around projects, but we all have fun creating something new and interesting out of the old. 


Glenda was in Montgomery, AL last weekend and found this antique office chair on the left that completes a set on her screened porch, and then this really cool old vintage African violet stand. On the right, you can see the details of the holder and that Glenda re-purposed it as a candle holder with old blue Mason jars. 

Oh big tip: put a little bit of water in each jar under the candles. It keeps the melted candles from sticking to your jars. 

Overall, I love this vintage candle holder and know that it looks awesome at night. This would look great as a focal point on a table top too. 

Oh and just so you know, we love Mason jars. Look for more info soon on our latest Mason jar loves...pies, coffee holders, and more. 

And finally, here are some final pics of ongoing vintage projects that you'll hear more from us in the future.

Candace just acquired this antique couch.
Look for a future posting of its transformation. 

Glenda took an old necklace chain and added vintage jewelry
and buttons to create her OOAK statement necklace.
Look for a future posting on how you can make one too. 

And sometimes vintage is just a way of life...
Here is Christy and her son prepping for a Colonial Day event. 

All the best to you and chat with you again soon. Hugs from the Three Sisters Four - Christy

Recycled Spring Carrots

Note: not a sponsored post for Restoring Piece or Annie Sloan paints, but they are favorites of "Three Sisters Four." 

Glenda spent a fun evening last Friday with a group of women at Restoring Piece, a unique shop in downtown Northport, AL, owned and operated by Brandon and Jeni Bowen. 

She and her friends painted a wooden carrot that Brandon made from recycled wood salvaged from the recently demolished Kilgore House on the University of Alabama campus (info on the old Kilgore house: http://tour.ua.edu/tourstops/kilgore.html). 

They used Annie Sloan paints, glazes, and wax to create their door decorations. The group has also done Christmas trees and a Valentine heart all made from salvaged wood and tin.

Hope you enjoy this great spring craft and are inspired to recycle and reuse materials to create something new and beautiful. Enjoy - Christy

Little Library

Just a quick post today to share our neighborhood Little Library. 

In Charlotte, the weather has turned spring-like and the temps have improved. On a recent sunny day, the neighborhood was filled with the sounds of kids outside playing, walkers and runners filled the sidewalks and lawn mowers fired up for a first grass shearing of the season. And with out-of-town family visiting, we did our own loop of the neighborhood and finished our walk at the neighborhood's Little Library. While it opened in the late fall, I am not a fan of the outdoors in the cold weather, so I just honestly had not taken the time to visit this little gem. And what a gem it is! Located in a small cul-de-sac, the library was built by a neighbor who is a fabulous general contractor, and now managed by his lovely wife Jen who has become the "librarian." 

And the library is just filled with donated books. A whole shelf is designated to children's books and the adult shelves have so much to choose from. I walked away with a gently used copy of Peaches for Monsieur Le Cure by Joanne Harris (author of Chocolat - - loved that book and the movie). Something to read as the rains come in over the next few days. But I must say, I really love the library not only because I love to read, but because of the sense of community it creates. Because as we stood there that day picking out books, we were joined by three other groups of neighbors. People visited and caught up on each other's lives. We shared, we laughed and we lived. It was awesome and so was the sunshine! 

If you are interested in your own Little Library, Pinterest has tons of Pins on how to build and design one. And of course you can Google Little Library and find tons of info and plans. Also check out this group who provide tons of info on this movement: http://littlefreelibrary.org/. Enjoy! - Christy

Farm Girl/Rancher Woman Biscuits

Enjoy for breakfast or lunch. 

This is not a sponsored post.

It is a cold and rainy day at the ranch in Texas, the morning chores and animal feeding are done and it is time for a little human lunch. So Candace just made what she calls her "Farm Girl/Rancher Woman Biscuits." These look fabulous and it makes my hungry just viewing the pics. You could do variations of this to suit the biscuits you have on hand, and if you wanted sweet or savory. Candace went sweet using the Immaculate brand Cranberry Orange biscuits (again not a sponsored post, but we sisters love this brand as you don't feel as guilty not making your own dough with these), but you could add oregano, bits of ham, and take this in a whole different direction. This is what I call a loose recipe, so you can alter as to what you have on hand. 

Let us know if you make them. I sure wish I was in Texas for lunch today. Enjoy! - Christy

Biscuits in popover muffin pan. 

First step: Spray pan. Candace uses a coconut oil spray. Smoosh in those Immaculate biscuits into the popover muffin pan (a popover pan is bigger and holds more, but a regular type would work too). It doesn't have to be perfect or uniform.  



Second step: Add your cheese. Candace used Colby Jack and Muenster today. Then she added a fresh egg to each cup. (The eggs came from a neighbor farmer. Only swans and guinea hens on the Alpaca farm right now.)  Then she added a bit more cheese on top of the egg. 

Add cheese, then a fresh egg. 

Bake at 350, 10-15

Third step: Bake them at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Let cool slightly before removing from pan. 















Final step: Enjoy! Candace served hers with fresh milk from the local dairy and coffee. She added a sprig of thyme from the garden for peppery taste. She also, as you see from the top picture, smothered it a bit with a raspberry/cranberry jam that she got at the farmers market. A side of bacon completes this fairly quick and yummy lunch.