All I Want For Christmas......Is Ewe

When I saw a large number 20 Serta Sheep on the Crazy Sheep Lady blog (myfavoritesheep.blogspot.com) I knew I really wanted one. I told my daughter about it and somehow she found one! I opened the B.I.G package at her house, and Lucky Dog started growling at it!! Number 20 is about 30 inches from the top of her head to the tip of her tail. She is 50 inches around the middle!! She has been sleeping in a large laundry basket for lack of a better place to keep her. You're likely to see her quite a bit around here...

Christmas with Family

My son and I went over to my daughter's house last night after a day of fun in Winston Salem. (No, shopping, just enjoying being out after a very hard semester). We ate supper at my daughter's home and enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations that have been in the family for years! (I don't decorate anymore, and my son doesn't either). We had a good time playing with the "granddog", Lucky. I don't know who is the luckiest, Lucky, or my daughter!! Lucky is a really fun dog, and enjoys for us to come to her house, and she enjoys coming to ours. More later on what my daughter gave me for Christmas... Happy Christmas to all, and God Bless!!

What the?.....

This the season for surprises... Last Thursday there was an unexpected package squished in my mail box. I did not order any lighted knitting needles, hot pink, size 9, but there they were. It was too late in the day to contact the shipper, but did so first thing the next morning. To their credit, Fabric.com, was courteous and amused by the mixup. I had ordered a skein of hard-to-find red yarn two days prior, and somehow someone elses needles got sent to me. The nice lady said "keep em" and I said "uh, I don't want em". She said "I wouldn't have any use for em either, donate em to charity". Well, Earl Grey loves em. He loves flashlights, etc. Maybe I'll take to knitting in the dark, anything's possible. Thanks Fabric.com. My conversation with you made my day. Ho Ho Ho!!

Yarn Needed

My daughter is working on a crocheted project and has run out of yarn. It is a discontinued yarn named Red Heart "Olive" and it is worsted weight, probably Super Saver. I have checked their website and they don't have it listed there. Check your stash for me please, and if you have any of this older yarn please let me know. It is always a good idea to make sure you have enough yarn to finish your project (uh, before you start)!! Thanks, and have a great weekend.

What I'm Reading

After reading, or should I say putting aside a real "stink burger" of a book, I decided to read the first of the Holiday novels I have in the stack. I bought the above book at the Goodwill last summer! When you only pay $1.50 for a hardback book, you can afford to "re-donate" a few, eh? When I started reading it I have to admit that I didn't expect much, but I am pleasantly surprised!! It is actually a sort-of history lesson and I find I can't put it down!! I really recommend this book for Holiday light reading. I've been under-the-weather lately, and have only worked on a few UFO's, mostly knitting. Have a blessed weekend...

****Before we all get too caught up on this Holiday shopping & chaos...just remember whose Birthday we are celebrating. It's not about us, it's all about Jesus!!****

An Ebay Ripoff

I have been really wanting a large Serta Sheep, ever since I saw one in a local furniture store in Elkin (which has since gone out of business..I did try to buy theirs). Then a blog person I follow got one... a number 20. I told my son about it and he saw one on Ebay. My daughter ordered this number 20 for me for my Christmas present. She paid over $20 for it, so we were sure it was a large one. When it came in to her house over the weekend...yep, you guessed it...it was a small one. Just like the ones I give 50cents for at the Goodwill (when I can find them). I am disappointed, that is true, but mostly I am extremely angry at the person that would mislead someone here at the Holidays. Buyer beware I guess, as for me, I plan to TOTALLY AVOID EBAY. Ho Ho Ho, or maybe Bah Humbug!!

***edited to say that I captured the above photo from the internet, but I do own a 7/10 Serta Sheep...got it two weeks ago at the Goodwill in Winston Salem. Paid 50cents for it. Humph!)

Socknitting

Since 1998 I have knit a lot of socks! The past couple of years I kind of lost interest in socks. My family so much as told me "We are not centipedes, we don't need a hundred socks!!" So I went on to some other projects...mostly Prayer Shawls, sweaters and charity quilts for Project Linus. But, you see, I have a huge stash of sock yarn that I have been wanting to use up...get rid of...maybe it'll just disappear? So I decided to go back to knitting some socks. This pair was a UFO (unfinished object) from back last winter!! I completely finished one sock and am working on the second one's heel flap today. (sigh) Just can't seem to get my old sock "mojo" going.

Oh yes, I also plan to hem 6 small quilts for Project Linus today. Want to get them off to Virginia soon.

Finally Photos of Sheepies

It's trash day! And the sheepies were out getting their breakfast, too. They were quite interested in us as well. Upon closer inspection, I don't think that their wool will be much good for spinning. Even the farmer didn't know what breed they are. There are several different kinds, I think. Well, I do have enough to spin with for quite some time. My son took the photos. He also took a good one of his cat, Earl, below.

Sheep...an update

My son and I were taking the trash off to the recycling center and the truck in front of us turned off...into the farm with the sheep!!! I had to follow, but I wouldn't have if my son had not been with me. I finally met the farmer with the pretty horses, pigs and SHEEP. And me with no camera, and no cookies for the sheep. But I did get his permission to visit them in the future. They are fenced in with an "electric" fence (phoey). On the way back out of the farm, I stopped the car & looked at them in the pasture. Oh wow! They are so beautiful,and they were just as curious about us, too. Next time...I will bring camera and cookies. I will be prepared...can't wait until next Saturday.

Hug a Sheep Day

Tomorrow is National Hug a Sheep day! It is sponsored by Sara at Equinox Farm at Cynthiana, KY. She is also known as the "crazysheeplady" or Punkin's Patch. I enjoy her blog very much and visit quite often. I really wish I could visit her farm, but it is too far for me to go. Guess I won't have a sheep to hug again this year (sigh). I did spot a small flock of sheep on the road to the recycling center last weekend. Guess it would be rude to just show up and hug a strange (wet) sheep, eh? Oh well, maybe I'll just hug Floyd (my large stuffed sheep) again this year. I've been trying to find a LARGE Serta sheep, but no such luck. Anyone know of one that needs a good home?? I emailed Serta, but they told me go go buy a mattress. (Humph!)

It is cold and rainy here today. Funny how our weather mirrors Michigan weather these days. Only they are a few degrees colder (but not much). Our fall colors have been disappointing this year. Have a wonderful weekend. Go hug a sheep!!

A Tisket A Tasket

I've bought another basket! Whether I go southwest, to Elkin, or north, to Mt.Airy, I ALWAYS stop at the Goodwill Stores. Guess I am adicted. (sigh) This week, while in Mt.Airy, I found this handmade "quilting" basket. I gave one dollar for it! It is about 13inches square, and a 12 & 1/2 inch block just fits in it. What a find!! The blocks in the basket are the Jacob's Ladder blocks I am working on. I had enough fabric for 16 blocks, but will add tan and brown borders to make it larger. I have yet to discover what the two dowel rods in the handle are for???

Earl Grey had a birthday very recently. He turned two years old. The terrible two's. He has always been active (make that destructive), and I was hoping he'd calm down with age, but not yet anyway. Guess that's what makes Earl Grey...Earl Grey!

Days and nights are cooler now, and I have not had to run the air conditioning all month. Have not turned on the heat yet either. Should save a little on the power bill, anyway. The leaves are just beginning to change colors. This time of year always makes me sad though, as it was 51 years ago in October that I left my beloved Michigan.

That awful black shetland!

I hate the stuff, uh..the awful black shetland...but Earl loves it!! I took a photo of the wool on my son's drawing table and turned around on the computer to download the photo. My son said "look at Earl". There he was, wallering in the wool. Donald took the photo of Earl. I posted a photo a year ago of him in the green box with the carded fleece. Must be the smell. I ended up with 14 skeins. Have not weighed it yet but each skein is usually around 2 oz. I'll figure out what to do with it later (but I won't be giving it to Earl!). He had a lot more fun with the stuff than I did. Did I mention that the last 4 or 5 carded bats had rose bush thorns in it!!! That's a first for me. I've had to deal with sandspurs (I lived in South Florida for many years and am familiar with those!), but rose bush thorns (BIG ones) are a first for me!

This photo is better!

My helpful son has enlarged the photo for me. I am very grateful that he will help me out when there is something I just don't understand about the computer. He said he used something called "paint"...it's Greek to me.

All dressed up

My daughter has sent a photo of one of her students at the college. Her name is Victoria, and she is studying Japanese language on Fridays on her lunch-time. This week, my daughter brought along some clothing of her's from when she lived in Japan and dressed up her student, Victoria. I thought she looked cute, and asked my daughter to send me a copy of the photo she took. Sorry it so small, but I cannot figure out how to make it larger since I copied it from an email. Victoria gave her permission for me to post her picture.

I have never heard back from the Hatteras Cat people. Either they are shut down because of the Hurricane Irene, or they are no longer in business. I will remove the picture on the sidebar soon.

Today is World Wide Spinning in Public Day. Since we already went to Leslie's in Meadows of Dan last month...no spinning in public was planned today. However, I did FINISH spinning that awful black shetland wool last week. I will take a photo soon...hopefully! No decisions made on how to actually use the awful stuff. It was a whole fleece, so there is enough to maybe make a sweater?? Ugh!

MUCH cooler weather here. In the 50's yesterday and today. People were wearing coats at the grocery store this morning!! I love it! Enjoy your weekend...

Touching her toes

This has been an "interesting" week. Previously it was an earthquake and a hurricane, this week it was another hurricane and tornadoes!! One hurricane went to the right of us, this last one went to the left of us. We spent Monday and Tuesday under tornado warnings...and there was damage in the area to prove it. The only damage to our property was to my nerves, thank God!! I've gotten next to nothing done and am glad it is Friday. The above photo is of the Chan. She wasn't worried...not at all (Earl was!).

An earthquake and a hurricane!

As many of you know, last week we had an earthquake in eastern USA. Our nearest town is on a fault line. At 1:50pm it began shaking here. I was in my bathroom and the shower doors begin vibrating. We had a minor earthquake a few years ago, right after my daughter returned from Japan and she told me what that one was! We had no damage, although it was the talk of the campus for a day or so. Yesterday, Hurricane Irene came up the coast. We live in the northwest corner of NC, (it is considered mountains here!) so the hurricane really had little effect here. Not a drop of rain, but the sky was very cloudy and we had 30 mile an hour wind gusts. I liked the wind. It was a cooler day here. But...I got to thinking about the famous feral cats on Ocracoke Island and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It concerns me that these famous feral cats were in harms way. I have not yet heard how they fared, but I have added a button on the side-bar to direct you to their website if you can help. I'm thinking I might purchase some of their "homemade" cat-treats.

Hope you are safe where you live, and have a blessed Sunday.

Folk Festival in Virginia

Last Saturday, my daughter and I went to the Folk Festival/Peach Festival in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. Kathleen worked on a tri-shawl and I am still spinning that awful black Shetland wool (but am determined to finish it!). My friend Leslie, who invited us to come and spin with her, was working with some off-white Suffolk-mix wool on her Great Wheel. I have never spun on a Great Wheel (requires too much standing!), so I spent a lot of time watching the process. The weather was lovely...the sun was shining and it was not too hot to be outside. My good friend from Mount Airy, who I haven't seen in awhile stopped by, and I am so glad to see her looking so well!! We don't realize how much we miss someone until we haven't seen them in awhile. Life is funny like that. The top photo is of my daughter, and the bottom photo is my dear friend Leslie. Some people take such great and lovely photos (I do not, so I'm not posting the photo of myself and Leslie, 'nuff said.) My thanks to Leslie, for hosting the event, and to my daughter, for driving us up the mountain!

I won something!

I like to enter the give aways on the blogs I frequent. I have never won anything though...until now. I especially liked a charm package (5 inch squares) listed on the Kansas Troubles Quilters blog and left a comment. I was so surprised when her dear Grandaughter picked me! She said I must be a nice lady because I had Hello Kitty next to my name. I liked that. Well, at first I didn't know what to make from the 5 inch squares, (and she'd also sent some 2 1/2 inch squares, too)...then it came to me like "duh" just put them together as is. I love the Fall colors and am using a "tea-dyed" solid color muslin backing. It looks so "rustic". I love it already. Thanks again, Lynne! Click on the photo (twice) to make bigger to see the fabrics!!

I have been keeping busy this summer, but try to put off as much as I can until cooler weather. I have never seen such a stretch of 90+ degree weather before!! I'm a cooler weather person, and hate this hot-stuff. The health insurance company, in order to get us older folks active, is paying for our membership at ProHealth, and my daughter and I drive the 30 minutes once a week to "walk-in-the-water". I love it!! I can swim, and do quite a bit, but it is also enjoyable to just walk back & forth, too. (Just have to get out of the way before those "agressive" aerobic people come & take over!). Am still making crochet Prayer Shawls this summer. When most of the group takes off to enjoy their summer...I get going. My daughter has also made several, too.

That's about it...hoping it cools off soon, hope you are enjoying your summer, whereever you are. God Bless!

New Set of Books

I love to hunt for books at the Goodwill Store. It seems most of my books come from there these days, as the local libraries do not stock the books I like or am interested in! When our local public library moved into the vacated funeral home (the very one my late husband's service was in) I feel really "creepy" about going in there...sad, too. Recently, I found a book from the Guideposts Church Choir Mysteries called "Puzzle in Patchwork" at the Elkin Goodwill. What a perfect book for me to start with in this series! I love it! As I finished that one, I decided to find more on Amazon.com (also where the above photo came from). Well, after about two months, I have managed to find all the books in this set. As I read through the set, I feel more at home with the cast of characters. It is almost like I know these people. Before finding the first one at Goodwill, I was unaware that this series of books existed. Yay for Goodwill...my favorite place to shop! PS, I am also looking for Agatha Christie books, especially the Jane Marple ones. I am constantly amazed at how different the books are from the made-for-PBS movies!

Catberry RFD

Living 10 miles from the real Mayberrry RFD (Mount Airy, NC), birthplace of Andy Griffith, I immediately loved the Catberry RFD fabrics (oops, can't remember the Co's name that makes it). I didn't buy many of the different pieces in the collection, but had about 3 different ones. Then I saw a "Catberry RFD" pattern on the internet and had to make the quilt. I filled in with my own fabrics from my stash. I like the way it turned out and looks very much like the pattern. The quilt is about 45" by 60". Click on photo to make bigger if you wish.

My two (grown) children and I went to see "Kung Fu Panda 2" last Friday. I liked it very much and the movie had a good message for us adopted people. I plan to buy a copy when it comes out in DVD.

I enjoyed getting out early in the morning and quilting in my "studio" before this HEAT WAVE hit. It has been miserable here. High 90's. Once I saw 100 degrees on the drug store sign. Too hot and HUMID for me!!

Enjoy your Sunday! God Bless!!

Toothbrush Rug

Since 2002, when I discovered "Aunt Philly's" website, I have tried my hand at making "toothbrush rugs". I was leading a quilting group of ladies at the church and one of the member's aunt made these rugs and was willing to come and demonstrate it for us. It is a little hard on the back and hands because of my arthritis, but I do enjoy it a lot and have made several. They wear well, and probably will last my lifetime!! Also, they are a great way to use up those cotton fabrics that you bought way back when and now say "Why did I buy THAT"! I love to work on these rugs, but often just need a "round tuit" to get started. I suggest, if you are interested, to look up the "Aunt Philly's" website to get started, too. I made my own tool from an old toothbrush, but she has some to buy reasonably. Unless you have an OLD toothbrush that has a hole in the handle, you will need to buy one. I carved mine myself, then sanded it down. Newer toothbrushes are curved handled and do not have a hole in the end. The strips of cotton fabric are torn at 2" wide by the length of fabric (not more than 2 yards, though). I am experimenting with using cotton clothesline for the "filler" instead of the same fabric as the working fabric. So far it is doing fine. It just makes a stiffer rug, that's all. It's fun, it's useful, check it out!! (click on photo to make bigger)

Needlepoint

I have been trying to finish up some UFO's (unfinished objects). It seems like everywhere I look there are plenty of them! Quilted ones (embroidered blocks), crocheted ones (vintage afghan), knitted ones (socks, yuck!) and this needlepoint, among a lot of others. Yes, I can do needlepoint. I prefer the ones where someone else has done the center design, though. This piece was given to me by a dear friend in Michigan and I am determined to finish it. I will get the upholsterer to put it on a round footstool (vintage 60's) when I finish it. Thing is...my vision has changed since I began this piece. Just can't seem to find the right holes. Guess it's time for a needlework magnifier. Growing older ain't for wimps!

Happy Easter!

He is risen, He is risen, indeed!

Forty Shades of Green Afghan

Okay, here it is, the mile-a-minute afghan I call Forty Shades of Green. It is sitting on the back of a small couch at the Community College Library, in the study area outside of my son's office. (He took the photo for me, as I am a truly rotten picture-taker!!) Now I am concentrating on the green Breadfruit Hawaiian style quilt and the sleeves for the green Aran. Gee...how did everything end up GREEN right now? Maybe because it's Spring?

What I'm Working On

The work in progress above is a green Aran pattern. The yarn is cheap acrylic called green fleck. For my own use, I use acrylic, not because I want to, but because I have a skin disorder & can't comfortably wear wool and alpaca is even worse. I have now finished the front and back & attached one shoulder by three-needle-bind-off. All that is left is neckline ribbing and the two sleeves!! The pattern is by Grandma on the Mountain (www.aranknits.com). I am also working on, not pictured yet, a Mile-a-Minute Afghan I call Forty Shades of Green using green varigated, mint, and dark greens. The quilt I am working on is also GREEN, but it is a dark green, Hawaiian style, about 50 inches square, in the Breadfruit design (a commercial pattern by Kathy Tsark). I try to keep busy.

(PS. It is supposed to be 82 degrees here today. Snow last Monday, 82 today....go figure!)

Birthday Snow

It is my birthday today. Shizuku-chan and I celebrate our birthdays on the same day. My daughter says that Shizuku is a "spring kitten", so we celebrate together. She is 13 now, I am 62. This morning we woke up to SNOW. It is quite unusual for snow this late in March, but it was pretty to watch it come down. There was about an inch on my car when I went to take my son to work earlier. It is sticking on the grass and porch, but not on the road, thank goodness. It should all be gone by the time I have to go back to town to pick up my son after work. The above photo was taken from the back porch, looking at the pines to the North. Isn't it odd to see snow on the bright green grass?!! I'm thanking God for the unexpected "treat" of snow on my birthday!

Uh, I'm still here, I think...

I have been missing in action. Actually, for the last 3 weeks I have been on the sick-list. First the dreaded stomach flu, then immediately followed by the head cold flu (yes, I did have a flu shot for all the good it did). As usual, the cold/flu went into bronchitis and I have been fighting it ever since. Pretty much end of story. I am taking one day at a time (on antibiotics again) and doing as little as I can. Every thing I do sends me into coughing fits. No sewing (allergic to cotton dust) but started an Aran sweater (photo later). Earl is great entertainment and Shizuku is my "nurse". My son has kept things going around here, bless him. I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel (just hope it isn't the oncoming train!). Stay well, pray often.

A Pleasant Surprise

I am a big fan of Tasha Tudor books, videos, anything! I have recently been collecting as many of her books as I can. I especially wanted to find a copy of Becky's Christmas, but alas, when I looked on Amazon.com, I realized that they were rare, and the ones listed I just couldn't afford. Today, my dear friend Barbara, at the College, gave me her copy. I am shocked...stunned even. She said she had bought it used from a school library a few years ago, and that she didn't want it anymore, and wanted me to have it. I am so thrilled. It was the last Tasha Tudor book that I was hoping to get ahold of. Although there are many more out there, I have found a copy of the ones I especially like. Thank you Barbara. Your kindness with always be remembered!!

Valentine's Little Quilt

Happy Valentine's Day!! It is not a day I choose to celebrate, but thought I'd show a small "challenge" quilt I made from some FatQuarters I got at walmart. The Challenge is from SmallQuiltTalk, a Yahoo group and it measures 16 & 1/2 inches square. Click to make bigger, if you wish. The coffee cup came from a dear friend of mine a couple of years ago.

February Sock

I have finished the "plain vanilla" socks for February Stash Sock group. I used Happy Feet yarn by Plymouth and size 3 needles. I have really been trying to get back into knitting socks because I have a large stash of sock yarn, but the truth is I HATE KNITTING SOCKS!!! I have to force myself to work on them. I'd rather be doing most anything rather than knitting socks, well, maybe not ironing. Guess I'm just burned out on socks, probably permanently. I have GOT to find another use for sock yarn, any suggestions (other than small shawls)?

I also knit socks

Having a large stash of sock yarn, and having not knit socks in quite awhile, I decided to join the Year of Stash Socks 2011. The first sock is the above, called "St. Brigid's Carnamoyle". I love Aran cables and this one was fairly easy and was knit from worsted weight yarn and I think the name of it is "ella rae". Although they don't fit me (I have diabetic feet), I'm sure they will fit my daughter. Anyone interested in the Stash socks group can click on the box in the sidebar. There is also a group on Ravelry.com. Heavy rain this morning, and they are predicting it will change to snow by noon. Bah humbug!

It is quilted and Earl helped

The first photo is of Earl Grey. It just appeared on the camera when I went to download the picture of the quilt to the computer. My son must have taken the photo, or maybe the house elf. Who knows. It is cute though. As far as the quilt goes, it is quilted, but not hemmed. I used the "swirl" pattern and orange/rust thread to match the backing and is about 60 X 72. Just a good cover-up size. I'm going to hang onto it awhile and just look at it. As much trouble as it was to find the last Fat Quarter, I hate to give it away right now. I hope to get the St. Jude quilts quilted soon, but as long as it is so cold in my office trailer it is difficult. The machine won't work until I get the room warmed up! No more robin-sightings, oh well...

Fat Quarter needed, an UPDATE

</
*********************************************
UPDATE: I found one! Just got back from the walmart (getting food items) and happened to go thru the "limited" crafts aisle. They must have gotten more of the FQ's in because there was about six or so on the shelf. So I got the ONE I needed. Praise God!!!

*********************************************

I am still looking for one Fat Quarter of the lighter fabric in the photo (click to make bigger). I only need one more FQ to finish making twenty blocks (I have 18 now cut out and 16 sewn). The fabric in question came from the walmart in Elkin and it is a square Fat Quarter. The sticker says MD-G-PC514 Pink Assorted by Fabric Traditions LLC. It isn't really pink, but a flesh color. If anyone has one they don't want please let me know. I'd love to finish this quilt. By the way, the pattern is a "quickie" one I got off the internet. All the blocks are the same, and seem to "swirl" when put together. Just cut eight 3 & 1/2" strips, if using yardage, recut to 6 1/2" and sew together (12 blocks). This will be a charity quilt when (and IF) completed. Thanks!!

Robins, I saw robins!!

The trip to the walmart in Mt.Airy yesterday went well. So well, that this morning, my son and I ate b'fast at Mickey D's, took the trash to the recycling center and went to the Goodwill and walmart in Elkin. (I'm still looking for a fat-quarter of fabric I need to finish my quilt). On the way back, we saw TWO small flocks of robins. I couldn't believe my eyes! This early! Seeing robins usually means that the winter is about over. We can only hope. Wow! I am encouraged and overjoyed. Now if I could just find that small piece of fabric I need to finish the quilt. (Above photo from internet.)

More Snow

A small kid's quilt using 6 inch squares of old St. Jude fabrics from Hancock's Fabric Store.


Last year we had over ten snow storms. This year they PROMISED we would have a warmer winter with less snow. Yeah, right. Bah-humbug. So far we have had three snow storms, complete with driving wind and piled up snow. This is the Foothills of North Carolina, not Michigan!!! I haven't been out of the house, literally, since last Friday. Talk about cabin fever! Sheesh! You see, I don't walk too good and haven't for years. I am fortunate that my son lives here with me and takes care of things. But today I am going to get out. Me and the Nissan are going out inspite of the ice on the driveway. The kitties need tuna, and I am on a mission....get to walmart and buy tuna and catfood. I am lucky that my son rides to work with a good and kind friend, but I will pick him up today and to walmart we will go. I know that this isn't at all interesting a report, but since I've been cooped up for a week, working on kid's (charity) quilts, it's the best I can do. I'll let you know how it goes later.........

A recipe we like

Traditional Scottish Recipes
- Oatmeal Cakes

Oatmeal was a staple of the Scottish diet and has been described as "the backbone of many a sturdy Scotsman." It was used in many ways - porridge, oatcakes, brose (oatmeal and peasemeal) and scones. Here is a recipe for a sweet oatcake which is more like a biscuit than a conventional oatcake.



Ingredients:
Teacup of medium oatmeal
Teacup of plain flour
Half teacup of milk
Tablespoon of soft brown sugar
3 oz butter or margarine
Level teaspoon salt
Level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)

Method:
Sieve the flour, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl, add the oatmeal and mix. Cut the butter or margarine into small portions and rub into the mixture with your fingers. Add the sugar and mix well. Pour in the milk and mix until you have a stiff but workable dough.

Shake some flour on a worktop, turn the dough onto it and shake a little flour on the top. Roll out thinly (about half an inch thick) and prick over with a fork. Cut into rounds with a scone cutter and place on an oiled baking tray. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 15/20 minutes at 350F/180C/Gas Mark 4. Use a palette knife to lift the biscuits onto a wire coming rack. Store in an airtight tin.
********************************************************************
I'm not a teriffic cook, not even close, but occasionally I find a recipe that we like and plan to use often. My daughter Googled "Scottish Oakcakes" and this is what came up. I made them like I do biscuits, with my floured hands. We ran out this morning, must make some more later on. Great for breakfast!!