Another Indian Blanket

Halloween is weeks away, and I’m thinking of costumes. I’d love to dress up as a Disney witch, but which one?

13. Witch Hazel from Trick or Treat – teaches Donald Duck about Halloween spirit.

12. Orddu, Orwen and Orgoch from The Black Cauldron – "We never give anything away. What we do is bargain."

11. Winnie, Sarah and Mary from Hocus Pocus – "I've always wanted a child. Now I think I'll have one on toast."

10. Miss Price from Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Not all witches are villains.

9. Madame Mim from The Sword in the Stone –  "Did I say no purple dragons? Did I?"

8. Yzma from Emperor’s New Groove – scary beyond all reason.

7. Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians – Don’t think she’s a witch? Never read the original book, did you?

6. Mary Poppins – See above.

5. The Wood Carver from Brave - I adore her answering machine cauldron.

4. Ursula from The Little Mermaid – buys, sells and trades poor unfortunate souls.

3. Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty – takes holding a grudge to a new level.

2. Narissa from Enchanted – Spiteful, vindictive, very large, but never crazy.

1. The Queen from Snow White – too evil even to have a name. She still gives me nightmares.

Indian Blanket

It rained yesterday. Not a half-hearted little sprinkle, but a substantial soaking. It’s funny, but after weeks of hoping and praying for rain I was completely unprepared when it actually came. For the first time in ages I had to pull on shoes and a jacket to grab the morning paper off the driveway. When I brought it in it was too wet to do the New York Times Crossword. Eventually the rain stopped, but the sun never quite burned off the chill. So I did a few things I’ve been putting off during the heat of summer. I turned some speckled bananas into a loaf of banana walnut bread. I made roast potatoes and rosemary chicken for dinner. I brewed myself a cup of hot herbal tea and sat back for a moment to enjoy it. Summer’s gone, and winter will be here before you know it. Take time to savor what comes in between.

Indian Braid

I’ve read that among the car thefts and burglaries in my area, one in four occurs in a church parking lot. My one experience along those lines happened just a few feet from the church door. It was a weeknight shortly after Thanksgiving. There was a seminar at church about creating and managing a budget, and I’d brought a large tray of tea breads to be served after the meeting. Carrying the tray took both hands, so I shoved my purse under the front seat before locking the car; something I’ve never done before or since. Apparently the person who smashed the car window to take it had watched me. He also hit another car where a man had hid his wallet in the glove compartment. Here’s what I learned: Keep your car tidy. Even an empty shopping bag can make you a target. Stash your goods before you park, not after. Better yet, take them with you.

Maple Leaf

I needed more background fabric for a top I’m finishing, so I ordered Benartex Bittersweet 2094. When it came I realized I’d bought 2094-3 (sunlight) when I wanted 2094-7 (cream).  I’ve a charm pack from the same line, and yesterday I decided to use them both to make an autumn leaf quilt. To make this 10” (finished) block, I used Marti Michell’s template sets B and D. Cut 2 light and 2 dark pieces each with templates 9, 11 and 13. Cut 1 dark piece with template 12. Cut 2 light pieces with template 23 (one right side up and the other upside down), and 1 dark piece with template 24. Cut 2 light and 1 dark with template 25. To make the stem, cut a 3/4” wide diagonal piece from a dark 5” square and sew a light triangle (cut with template 9) on each side. Trim the resulting square with template 8. Assemble the block as shown, starting at the stem end.

Japanese Chain

While we were at Disneyland last week we shared a meal at the Blue Bayou. I can recommend everything on their menu except the Monte Cristo . I’m told it’s their most popular item. It may have something to do with the fact that it goes for roughly $10 less than everything else. Here’s my version, which I hope is a little better:

 Monte Cristo Sandwich

2 slices whole wheat bread

1 tsp mayo

1 tsp prepared mustard

2 thin slices deli ham

 2 thin slices roast turkey breast

1 slice Swiss cheese

1 egg

1/2  cup skim milk

Powdered sugar

Grape jelly

Spread one side of bread with condiments. Alternate layers of meat and cheese. Slice sandwich in half diagonally. Beat egg and milk in a small bowl. Dip sandwich halves in mixture. Brown both sides on a greased griddle at medium heat. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with grape jelly.