The Basket Lady

January appears to be scooting by in a New York minute and in New York lingo, that’s fast but not before we get to enjoy the New England Patriots marching off the football field in grand style with a big “V” as in victory toward this year’s Super Bowl in February.

I’m a die-hard Dolphins fan, going way back to the days of Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick but even I can recognize the fire in Tom Brady’s eyes, so go get ‘em, Tom Terrific!

Let’s get right to the directions for making a basket for the New Year; have fun putting your personal touch on your creation.

Supplies:

Basket:

Natural splint basket with side handles, 12 x10x 6-inches high

Basket Decorations:

A colorful fabric for lining in two coordinating prints.

Bow made from colorful (your choice) print fabric, 1.25 yards. Trim with tassel.

Gift Basket Contents:

Beans, for dried vegetable soup blends. Breads, muffins, cookies and cake mixes. Coffee and tea mixes.

Decorating the basket

1. Measure, cut, and line the basket using the no-sew liner method.

2. Attach the color of choice trim around the top rim of the basket, using a glue gun.

3. Tie a tassel to the handle. Affix the fabric bow to the basket over the tassel with the wire ends.

Assembling the gift basket

Fill the basket with store bought or homemade treats (see contents). Place the filled cellophane bags of goodies on top. Add a clear wrap or basket bag over the entire basket, if desired.

Now, your basket is done except for the giving away.

And now, one of life’s mysteries: “Warning: If you think you can run across this pasture in 10 seconds, don't. The bull can do it in nine!” Some fast advice from Mr. Jim Brock, in Pomfret, VT regarding the speed of a bull that was clocked at the Cloudland Farms. No bulling.

Remember to be kind to one another. Kindness not only counts but it adds up!

We miss you every day, Dot Sanchas! Until then, smile and live in the present.