Barn Quilts-Fairbury, Nebraska

As were were traveling back from a graduation in Nebraska this past weekend we spotted this barn quilt north of Fairbury, NE.

And of course, I just had to stop and take a picture. I love barn quilts! In fact, I am helping with a local barn quilt trail.

As we pulled over to take a picture we noticed the owners were in the front yard, not wanting to be weird or rude we pulled in and asked if it was ok to take a picture. "Sure" they said.

Well ONE HOUR LATER, we were back on the road! Nice people, we learned so much and were reminded of what a small world it was!  The lady who did this co-authored a book through University of Nebraska Extension, called Quilt Quest. As we headed out of town she suggested we stop by the Fairgrounds to see 2 more blocks that were done by a local high school student.

 

The design on the left is the 4H block from a 1930s pattern and the right is the FFA block.

If you are ever traveling through Fairbury be sure to stop, also north out of town take a left(west) onto Hwy 4 to see a few more barn quilts. I know I will be taking that route next time I head north!

Egg Month~ Breakfast Recipe

Since May is Egg month I thought it only fitting that my Menu Mondays feature Eggy recipes.
 Again, another Pinterest Recipe.

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwiches, found originally on Allrecipes.
They tasted good, but were a little more effort than they were worth. Yes the ingredient list was short and basic, but I would put the filling in and when I went to wrap them up, the filling came out!

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) can Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled 4 egg, scrambled

1/2 cup finely shredded Cheddar cheese 1 egg, beaten (optional) 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper (optional)

Directions:

1.	Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Unroll dough on work surface; separate into triangles.
2.	Top each triangle with bacon, scrambled egg and cheese. Roll up loosely as directed on can. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve into crescent shape. Brush with beaten egg; sprinkle with pepper.
3.	Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Extreme Style-Horse Racing

In the past on the first Fashion Friday of May I have posted about Derby Fashion (here) or how to make your own Derby Hat (here), and well as last year when 3 generations were entered in the hat contest at Derby Day Remington Park Style but this time I want to share what we did last weekend, that kinda relates to Derby Day, plus animal print is always in style right?! RemingtonPark in Oklahoma City has Extreme Racing at the end of April. This year they added ZEBRAS and Pigs(as in Hendricksons Racing Pigs). The place was packed, last year's attendance was 19,000 this year they believe it was doubled. Not as much fun as last year because it was elbow to elbow EVERYWHERE, and my best friends weren't able to come along like last year.

The Quarter Horse Live Racing started at 1:30 with the Ostriches going after Race 4. The Ostriches might be my favorite.

 

Saddled and ready! I like that they have the animals in pens so the public can get an up close look.

 

 

They are off!

 It can get a little WILD!

 

Then they had 4 more horse races and then the ZEBRAS were up to go!

 

 

As you can see, some of the jockeys were bucked off. Jesus Salazar, the jockey closest to us in the green and yellow silks, is one that ended up winning I believe. He came to the ranch and "helped" CP build fence once.

 

We weren't able to stay for the camel races this year

 

If you are ever able to attend an Extreme Racing event, I suggest it! Fun for all ages.

 

Cattle Cat

So people have a cattle dog, you know like Hank the Cow Dog, well let me introduce you to Big Boy, the Cattle Cat.

While we were working cattle he hung out right there, watching and "trying to help" as seen here.

Big Boy whose name might now be C.C. walks out into the pasture  with you to check cattle, sits by the chute, goes to the pens when you feed, and just generally like to be with you especially when it involves cattle!

Show Calf Onesie

Now that the shower is over I can share the Show Calf Onesie I made for CP's sister!

Upclose of the calf, I thought it needed a touch of something, so I got pink with white polka dots.

 

 

And on the left hip!

 

 

I do customize these for purchase. Email me at laurel.hill@live.com with questions

Cheesy Ranch Tater Tots~ Pinterest Test

This was a good one from Pinterest! Originally found here

These were a big hit!

Cheesy Ranch Tater Tots
1 bag frozen tater tots (or french fries)
Sour Cream Ranch Sauce
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/4 cup milk
Toppings
1 cup (or as much as you like) Shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup real bacon bits
1/4 cup green onions
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Cook frozen tater tots according to package directions.
2. Spread 3/4 of the sour cream ranch sauce onto an oven safe serving platter. (I used a cookie sheet)
3. Arrange tots on top of the sauce.
4. Drizzle remaining sauce on the top, and sprinkle on the toppings.
5. Place under broiler for a few seconds to melt the cheese.
Serve immediately

Why am I blogging?

This is the question I have been asking myself lately. Usually I am not a touchy feely blogger, but today I am going to lay it out there. I haven't been posting much lately and think the reason is I have been doubting myself! Why blog, who reads it, does it really matter.......and the list goes on.  I have a lot going on in my life, so its not that I don't have anything to write about. Maybe I think other people do a better job writing and advocating and crafting and sharing their stories.

Do any of you ever get caught up in the stats page on blogger?  I was looking at that and it didn't help out with my motivation to write, my stats have dwindled and so has the desire to keep blogging. I don't want to quit, I really enjoy the "friendships" I have developed through blogging.  I keep telling myself, blog for those who are my real friends and social media friends that follow me and don't worry about the rest. I have read a few other bloggers and their advice on blogs is to write what you want, focus on the audience you want, and don't worry so much!

Maybe I haven't been cultivating my blogging relationships: not commenting on others posts and supporting them, reading theirs, and promoting others. So there is another challenge I am going to be working on more!

So hang in there with me and hopefully this is just a blue funk I am in!