The Somerset Ridge Painters have been very busy! The Friends of the Overland Park Arts are sponsoring the Nutcracker Tea Party for children on Sunday, December 6th. It will be held at Ritz Charles. As part of the fund raising, they will be holding a silent auction. The Somerset Ridge Painters have donated a large painting we named

"A French Fantasy, Through an Open Window"

There were only four of us present for the group photo, l to r...Maria Johnson, Winnie Davis, Me and Ada Koch. Not present for the photo were JoAnne Carlton, Vicki Johnston and Audrey Benskin. We had a wonderful time being together, painting together!

Let's hope the painting raises a lot of money!

On Tuesday evening, I spent the evening at Girl's Night Out, held at ARTichokes....What Fun! Great Art, Great Friends, Great Food and Great Wine!

What more could the girls want!

I was so surprised to open the door and the first piece I saw was this beautiful fused glass piece by Rhoda Powers! Rhoda is a glass artist who has her studio in Parkville, Missouri, but has her work displayed many places around the Kansas City area. There are more of her pieces on display at Zest, a restaurant in the Mission Farms area, just down the walkway from ARTichokes. So, if you have a chance, check them out! Great Gifts!

My dear sister-in-law, artist Vicki Johnston is promoting a California artist, Marcia Munich, who makes beautiful jewelry. As Marcia's agent, Vicki arranged to show some of Marcia's pieces at Girl's Night Out.

Gentlemen, trust me.....wonderful Christmas Gift!

They will be on loan to ARTichokes for a few more weeks, so go shopping while you can!

Many other artists are represented at ARTichokes also.

Vicki Johnston and the jewelry of Marcia Munich


Seems like ages since I shared a recipe!

Several years ago, I wanted to come up with a new cranberry relish for Thanksgiving.
Hope you enjoy it!

Somerset Ridge Buffalo Red Cranberry Sauce

1/2 cup Somerset Ridge Buffalo Red Wine
1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar (1/3 to 2/3)
1 1/2 cups cranberries
3/4 cup seedless red grapes
1/2 teaspoon snipped fresh mint
1 Dash ground cloves

Combine wine , water, and sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Add cranberries, grapes, and cloves; return to boiling. Reduce heat and cook, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and cook 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
To serve, stir in mint. Serve warm or chilled. Makes 6 (1/4-cup) servings.