A New Quilt

While driving through downtown Bothell on Saturday, I saw this beautiful, handmade quilt outside an antique shop.  Since I had errands to run, I didn't have time to stop and look at it.  I was hoping it would still be there on Sunday.

Sunday morning, I drove to Bothell and walked through the tiny downtown area to the shop.  It's a relatively new antique shop, filled with wonderful things.  I had a great time looking at everything, and I was impressed with the quality and the colors of the quilt, which was still waiting for me.  I left the shop with the quilt in tow, and it looks wonderful in my 'ocean room', which doubles as my home office and guest bedroom.

 

 

A Trip to Los Angeles

In the midst of our cold, dark, rainy and snowy weather, a friend of mine took a short four-day trip to Los Angeles, California.  She sent back pictures of the beach and the 80-degree weather she was experiencing.  She even sent a picture of Elvis' star from the Hollywood Star Walk!  Ah, visions of spring and summer!

 

 

Dinner at Tuscano's Italian Kitchen

Saturday night, we met our friends Ben and Michelle at Tuscano's Italian Kitchen in Monroe.  It's a new restaurant in the area, and we were curious to check out the menu.  While we were waiting for our friends, we got to know the new owner, who told us about the menu and welcomed us to the restaurant.

We had a lovely two-hour dinner and conversation, and it was fun to get to know both Ben and Michelle better.  We've only known them for a little over a year, as all of us are the newest members of our church.

We started our meal with wine, bruschetta and a Caprese salad.  Our entrees consisted of various salads, pasta carbonara and linguini with prawns.  We finished with a rustic apple crostata topped with vanilla ice cream.

It was a wonderful evening of good food and life stories.  We plan to do it again soon!

Alexandra's 15th Birthday

This week is Alex's 15th birthday!  It's hard to believe the little 8-year-old I met so many years ago is now 15!

I picked her up after church, and we drove to the Purple Café in Woodinville's Wine Country.  It's a funky looking restaurant, all cement, brick and black metal, but the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is excellent--small bites and portions that go well with wine and other beverages.

We started with a plate of bruschetta, followed by Pesto Pasta and salad for Alex, and an Apple, Cheese and Bacon salad for me.  It was fun getting caught up on Christmas and Valentine's Day, and hearing about school. 

 

 

 

 

 

Maltby Pies

Last evening, we made our first two apple pies under the "Maltby Pie Company " label.  One is for us to eat and critique, and the other will be taken to work for some general feedback from the staff. 

It's exciting to launch a Cottage Food Industry item, especially with spring and summer coming up.  It will give us a chance to try all types of organic fruits and their combinations, all wrapped up in a homemade pie crust!

 

 

 

 

 

Tole Painting

My Aunt Elsie was the artist in our family, and she could create the most beautiful pieces of art out of all types of materials.  Years ago, she collected lovely crystal brooches from the 1930's and 40's, and put about 50 of them together to make a lovely Christmas Tree mounted on wood.

Her passion was tole painting, which involved small-detail painting on wood.  One of my favorite pieces is this red heart, delicately decorated with these small designs.  I hang it up every Valentine's Day in the family room so we can all enjoy it.  I remember her in so many ways.

The Maltby Pie Company

Today, it's official--the Maltby Pie Company was founded!  I ordered these pottery pie plates with our company name on them, so we are ready to roll (pastry, that is!)...

Anyway, seriously--we are starting our 'cottage industry' pie company, and will only serve select clients.  I'll be taking some courses on creating food at home, and then I'll see what develops.

Wish us luck!  We've got our pie-making down to an art!