Crafting, Camping, Cooking and Life! (with RA!)

Hello all! Well, been a long past few weeks. Several family member birthdays of late, so too much cake and going to HAVE to start watching my intake as I've put on a few pounds with holidays and all.  Had a setback this past week.... the sweater! Previously, I shared a pic of a sweater I was making for my daughter (lol, featuring Isabel!). I was finally able to catch her for a fitting before I finished all the tucking and cast off the neck. UGH!! The underarms were too tight and she asked for the sleeves to be longer. I had been using a top of hers to gauge the size. I know, I know, should've taken actual measurements. So now... Been a few weeks since I've been able to post. Been having a lot of internet issues here with all the family in the house so many days at once. I've gotten through I think another sewing machine, Kenmore 158 and starting on a Singer 7050. Here is the Kenmore 158 mid-cleaning. Singer Imperial Anniversary 7050  I was a little surprised with this S...

 Good morning!! Waking up to alert that we're under a Level One snow emergency here with the schools taking a calamity day. Odd morning so far, trying to get my day planned out and so much to do, it's hard to decide what the priorities and needs are. Today, I want to get the cake made for hubby. I plan to make it sugar free, but I want to add elements to make it fun and tasty. I plan to use the Pillsbury Sugar Free Devils Food cake mix for the cake. I will more than likely be adding a mousse and frosting or ganache. This, I haven't decided so I will probably be updating this post throughout the day on my progress. Here's the cake update! Hubster decided just a simple frosting, which I made an American Buttercream sugar free. Of course I had to double, you know, gotta have that thick layer and outer frosting! My Reduced Sugar American Buttercream This is a full recipe, but can be halved: 4 sticks unsalted butter (you can use salted but omit adding the salt listed below) ...

 Another place we like to go hiking. This was our first time camping here. Not all these photos are the greatest works of art, but I loved all the green and the angles. And moss. I LOVE moss! The greens, different textures, just a gorgeous natural carpet. The trees were lovely as well. If you look closely, some of the photos have a natural mist to them as well. There are a lot of caves and falls in this area. There are several parks in this area and well worth the visit! I've always believed dirt paths lead to happiness! I love the spidery look of these roots. This view was off the beaten path. Great find! I love the moss! One of the falls here. It has been visited by countless visitors over the decades. This is one of the safety notes areas. If you notice the cut away at the edge, its a straight drop down. It is possible to venture from the paths, but please be safe. Another lovely dirt path!