MAGPIE'S MUMBLINGS

A blog about my interests, which include fabric landscapes and various and assorted other artsy pursuits and sometimes known to contain mumblings of a random nature.

Monday, February 09, 2026

Thinking of spring

 When it continues to be this cold and snowy outside, I decided I really needed to work on something that reminds me that spring is coming, so I've made a start on a new landscape...

And....the RC arrived in the sewing room doorway to show me this...


Because you might like to make this goodie for yourself, here's the recipe...

IRISH SODA BREAD

3 c. flour
2/3 c. sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. raisins
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. buttermilk
1 T. veg. oil

Combine dry ingredients and stir in raisins.  Set aside 1 T. beaten egg.  Combine
buttermilk, oil and remaining egg.  Stir into flour mixture just until moistened.  Transfer into greased 9" round baking pan (a dutch oven works a treat!) and brush top with reserved egg.  Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 10 mins and remove from pan.

- THIS made me smile and think of spring.

- Most of you know I love denim, so of course THIS caught my eye.

- Scrolling through THESE made me smile (and sometimes laugh).

- Have you ever wondered why there are coloured bands on sewing machine needles?  I'm sure you have (haven't you?).  Well, wonder no more.  Go HERE.





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16 comments:

  1. Boud8:37 AM

    In early February, spring seems a long way off. But it does eventually arrive..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA10:01 AM

      February is the worst month for me - good thing it's a short month.

      Delete
  2. Quinn9:17 AM

    That bread looks so tasty! I went through a period of making soda bread every few days, using the lid of a cast iron skillet for a baking pan. Got to where the whole process took under an hour, start to finish. Been thinking a lot about baking sandwich bread again, because it's so hard to find really good storebought, and sandwiches have been a big part of my diet this winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA10:02 AM

      The RC is in the midst of baking some sourdough bread as we speak. He wants to do a test to see how his new dutch oven handles it. It certainly worked well for the soda bread.

      Delete
  3. Julierose10:44 AM

    Lovely start to your fabric landscape;))) It's nice to work with Spring colors to fight off that "white-out" syndrome in place now,
    I think!!
    The Irish Soda Bread sounds so good. We are in the midst of Paczki season and now will be thinking of moving forward to Soda Bread and Hot Cross Bun seasons--["Food, food, glorious food>>>!!!] hahaha enjoy;))))
    hugs, Julierose

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA11:02 AM

      Yes, a spring theme seemed to be what I want to do right now, so I went with it. And yes, that soda bread is delish - so much so that the RC is talking about making it again.

      Delete
  4. Debra11:22 AM

    I love your work and have looking at it for a long time. Thank you for the flags and the sentiment at the end of your blog. I'm so sorry for what has been happening to our Canadian neighbors from here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA4:03 PM

      Thank you - on both fronts! Thank you for leaving a comment.

      Delete
  5. Gill - That British Woman3:29 PM

    I am very, very ready for Spring!!! Just saying :0)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Linda's Relaxing Lair7:19 PM

    Although I can't say that I am ready for Spring, (only because I do love Winter...I know, not many do), LOL! I do enjoy all four seasons and embrace every one of them as best I can! The only thing about Winter that is difficult for me is ice. I do love snow and cold weather...well, I just dress well for it.
    The only thing about Summer that I cannot stand (and which is downright dangerous and not good for one's health), are the wildfires and high heat and humidity which we get here in Montreal every single summer.
    In other words, I love all the seasons, but extreme heat, humidity and wildfires...no, thanks. And ice, no thanks. :)
    I love your work and creative talent!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA10:20 PM

      I'm with you in liking all four seasons but there are aspects of some of them we can do without -humidity and ice being two of them. I complain about winter, but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

      Delete
  7. Jackie7:43 PM

    I love soda bread. RC's looks awesome.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA10:21 PM

      I must admit that there's only a couple of small pieces left!

      Delete
  8. diamondc9:31 AM

    Greetings MA: Lovely progress on this design, yes spring is coming but not soon enough for me, however it has been very warm here in Minnesota, just below Cananda, wish you were getting the same weather.
    Thank-you for the interesting links.

    Catherine❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MA10:45 AM

      Spring certainly isn't coming soon enough for me either. At least I can console myself by working on a spring design.

      Delete

Thank you so much for leaving comments! I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy life to talk to me. It's wonderful to know that someone is actually reading my mumblings and even more fun if I can connect with you and visit your blog.

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