I love this shot its instantly relaxing.

I have been dabbling alot in my shop as of late and having a bit of fun reading, cooking, and enjoying the last of my garden for the year.  Watch out Martha! 

Hope you are having a wonderful day as well!

I saw these hands today and thought they were just adorable.  They are interesting and handmade.

jalapeno cornbread .........can you say delish?

Picture via Food Network


---Ingredients---


3 cups all-purpose flour


1 cup yellow cornmeal


1/4 cup sugar


2 tablespoons baking powder


2 teaspoons kosher salt


3 cups milk


3 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten


one stick of butter  unsalted butter, melted, plus extra to grease the pan


8 ounces aged extra-sharp Cheddar, grated, divided


1/3 cup chopped scallions, white and green parts, plus extra for garnish, 3 scallions


3 tablespoons seeded and minced fresh jalapeno peppers






---Directions---


Combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and butter. With a wooden spoon, stir the wet ingredients into the dry until most of the lumps are dissolved. Don't overmix! Mix in 2 cups of the grated Cheddar, the scallions and jalapenos, and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.






Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking pan.






Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with the remaining grated Cheddar and extra chopped scallions. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and cut into large squares. Serve warm or at room temperature.

This week

This week since my daughter ventured back to school I have been cleaning up some ebay finds and flea market treasures.  I have table vise that needed a bit of love along with some files I purchased for one dollar.  I also purchased and I think I squealed when an anvil of 75 pounds was purchased for 20 dollars.  Yep 20 bucks.  Shipping cost me about the same amount, but that is less than the usual dollar or more a pound I have been expecting to pay.  If you buy on ebay and really want something I think you stop breathing for the last five minutes of the bidding.

These are some rough pictures of my purchases after being cleaned or in progress.  The anvil just lost its label and is about as far as I got with it today.  Tomorrow we have a date with a grinder!  Man I love me some Tools. 

My hand finally healed after a bit over 2 weeks yet its numb a bit and I still cannot bend it.  It will return to normal soon I can feel progress in movement everyday with more feeling.  Can openers are nasty little things aren't they?

chisels, files oh my!

Before

After

I carve stone why I have the chisels.  I think I have way too many but love is love.  

I will not win any awards for my pictures today.    It really is rainy and cloudy here today most likely the reason.  Well my daughters first soccer game is tonight so off I go.