A little bit of this and a little bit of that

We took a quick jaunt “down south” to Hartford, CT for a tour of  Mark Twain’s home and museum.  We couldn’t take any pictures in the house, but it was beautiful.  Go see this house if you can.  It is well worth it.  They divide the tour into two parts – the main house and the servant’s wing – both were great.   The servant’s wing gives you an inside view of the kitchen and how such a large house was managed.  The main house is a longer tour, covering more territory, but both tours are filled with wonderful stories of the family.  The tour guides did an excellent job of making the house come to life.

Here’s my version of Rae's Itty Bitty Baby Dress.  This was a gift to my bother and his wife’s new baby daughter – my first niece!  I hope it fits her and that she will get a little bit of wear out of it before the winter.  I bought a  pink onesie turtleneck and some pink tights to go with it (in lieu of the dotted pants) in case it gets cold sooner than later!  I saw her shortly after she was born, but she lives in Chicago, so I’m relying on pictures and emails until we see her at Christmas!  Babies are so sweet.

  And just in case you feel the need for something sweet, I leave you with some Monster Cookies, mine are missing the M&M’s this time, but with four ever-hungry kids (and hubby),  they still got eaten just the same.

Monster Cookies

2 cups white sugar

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups shortening

1/2 cup peanut butter

4 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla

3 cups flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon salt

3 cups oatmeal (you can use old-fashioned, or quick)

6 oz. chocolate chips

6 oz. M&M’s

In a large mixing bowl, combine sugars, shortening, peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla.  In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.  Stir into sugar/shortening mixture.  Add oatmeal and chocolate chips and M&M’s.   Batter will be very stiff.  Drop onto cookie sheet.  You can make these really large (i.e. Monster Cookies), or just regular size.  Bake at 350 degrees.  Time will vary with size.  Regular size is usually around 10 minutes.

Elizabeth