Those of you who live near Vinton may have noticed even fewer downtown parking spaces than usual. A brand new shop at 117 West 4th Street has been enticing a steady stream of shoppers. The...
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Sadly, Mrs. Ray Didn’t Make An Appearance
one of our glass art candle holders The glass art projects we’re making for craft fairs were so engrossing that we got carried away and nearly didn’t give ourselves enough time to make hors d’oeuvres for the candidate reception...
Spring Psalms
Psalms 118:24 declares, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The birds certainly seem to be rejoicing with their melodic spring calls. I want to put a...
Decadent Dessert in Minutes: Chocolate Pudding Cake
Last week, we shared photos of the camp oven restoration and the Chocolate Pudding Cake baking trial. We were delighted with the results which just proved the versatility of our Chocolate Pudding Cake recipe. The cake...
Yeah, It Works! Camp Oven Restoration
A few weeks back, Sister Sue and I were reminiscing about the old family camp oven – wishing we still had it. We recalled chocolate pudding cake and corn bread baked on camping trips. Being...
Grandma’s table renewed -and other painting projects
A family table had been stored in our barn for a few years – just waiting for a new life. The two inch oak top showed generations of wear as did the three remaining chairs....
Closet to Butler’s Pantry
Recently I nostalgically reminisced about the handy butler’s pantry in our former Victorian home. Sister Sue suggested I turn one of my kitchen closets into a butler’s pantry. With kind carpentry help from Tom, we...
Better than Truffles Pudding Parfait
You can find the Chocolate and Raspberry Pudding Parfait recipe under “Sweet Saturdays.” This dessert, perfect for Valentine’s Day, makes 4 large servings.
Inspiration for Salmon Cakes (with recipe)
I was determined to use birthday and Christmas gift money for something lasting and beautiful. The wine barrel head lazy susans at Towne Rebel in Galena, Illinois, fit my requirements. I was not sure how useful one...
Brie Box Crafting
Brie is one of my favorite cheeses because it is so versatile and can be embellished for tasty appetizers and desserts. Also its container is a crafter’s delight. The 4 ½” boxes are perfect for holding paperclips and...
Jeanie’s Sorghum Cookies
Processing Sorghum at St. Donatus
Greg from St. Donatus brought us a box of well-presented sorghum cookies made by his wife, Jeanie. The delicious sorghum and spice aroma which greeted me when I opened the box sent me to cookie heaven....
Pear, Apple & Cranberry Chutney
This chutney, with its hint of savory spices, is an antidote for over-the-top sweet holiday snacks. ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar ½ cup brown sugar Simmer until the syrup thickens slightly. ...
Galena Homes – Picture Perfect for the Holidays
Good-will and festive lights shone brightly again this year at Galena’s Night of the Luminaria. As our holiday greetings to you, Cúpla Sisters would like share photos of Galena porches dressed for the celebration.
Any Way You Spell Holiday
The Cúpla Sisters have two female ancestors who bore the name Mary Hollyday. The surname was variously spelled Hollyday, Haliday or Holliday. This unusual name helped me track their ancestral line to Sir Leonard Holliday who...
Connemara Cottage
Empty windows facing back to view a new world, far away from grey walls still willing to shelter strangers huddled near the long-cold hearth. ...