My Very First. Well not really. Of course I have had Thanks Giving before, every year of my life and sometimes twice depending on the family situations.
This is the first, however, that I am in charge; the only cook in the kitchen. Even though its just us, (husband and the 3 cats) of course I have a 12 pound turkey. I am going the distance.
I dance between complete comfort and total panic with the prospect of doing this on my own. I have been raised and been around great cooks my whole life. I have always been in the kitchen if not the right hand gal of many mothers on Roast Giving day. How could I not already have this in the bag? But a whole turkey, dressing, baby red potatoes, asparagus, bread, cranberry sauce, gravy and dessert?
Really? What am I thinking??!?!
I have drawn the line in the sand though; not stuffing but dressing and a store bought selection of cheesecake bites instead of my own pie. I am not going to try anything fancy, just straightforward recipes and stuff I am familiar with, like asparagus - easiest thing in the world. Now that I have said that, though, I know that will be my down fall.
I am going the leg work, I read Fannie Farmer this morning. Adam and I picked the menu together so we will both be happy. Grocery shopping is done. And no guests, which will ease the pressure.
All I can do is hope now. Hope for the best, and know that I have ravioli and a jar of sauce if it all goes down the pooper.
My one question: do I defrost the turkey first? I am going to just in case - it won't hurt, right?
Happy Thanks Giving everyone.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Nutbutters
I love nut butter. My passion for nut butter started with peanut butter. I think nothing is better than natural PB with my mom’s Raspberry Jam on whole gran bread or smothered on a ripe banana. But if i need a quick snack or a topping for ice cream I go for a spoonful of the more traditional PB like Jif or Skippy.
Back to nut butter; I love that different nuts have such different flavors and textures. I love how creative nut butters can be, just like their whole nut counterparts. It’s not uncommon to see candied walnuts or chocolate covered almonds but only recently can you find chocolate flavored peanut butter.
Every once and a while I will spoil myself and buy Almond butter or this amazing maple cashew butter from our local hippy co-op. At one of our recent grocery shopping trips I was having the ounces versus price debate with myself over fancy almond butter when my husband asked, “Are you suddenly allergic to normal peanut butter?” Considering that my two almond butter options were both more than twice the price of the peanut butter I usually get I cannot blame him.
As I grudgingly put the fancy stuff back and went to get the normal PB I decided it was time to take action and create the product I was looking for. I could make my own stinkin’ nut butter and I already had everything I needed!
My first two experiments were walnut butter and almond butter. The walnuts my mom bought me from Cost Co a while back and have been patiently waiting in my freezer. I am not a big walnut fan because they taste bitter to me but they have been donned as the latest “supper food” so I had to get on board. Almonds I had from making Chickpea burgers, which were awesome by the way.
From there it could not have been easier. I set the oven at 350 and spread the nuts out on my half-sheet baking pan. When the nuts looked toasted i took them out and threw them in the food processor. i didn’t both with pulsing but just set the processor to ‘ON’ and read my book for a while.
Every few pages I would give it a look. When everything looked like it was the same consistency I gave it a taste. I added some sea salt and brown sugar and let it go for a bit longer. When it reached the texture I wanted I poured/ scouped everything out into an empty glass PB jar. These amounts made around 6 to 8 oz of butter.
The walnuts took about 16 minutes in the own and the almonds about 13 minutes. For half of the half sheet I added a ½ tsp of salt and a tsp of sugar to both. The thing that surprised me was the end consistency. The walnut butter was very loose and runny but the almond butter was stiff so I added some light olive oil to the almond butter to loosen it up.
For my second experiment I did a whole sheet of walnuts. I toasted them at a slightly higher temperature, 375. instead of brown sugar I added some maple syrup and processed it for a longer period of time. The consistency is completely different, It was much more smooth, almost like it had been whipped.
Total success. Now I am having day dreams of my new business.... :)
Back to nut butter; I love that different nuts have such different flavors and textures. I love how creative nut butters can be, just like their whole nut counterparts. It’s not uncommon to see candied walnuts or chocolate covered almonds but only recently can you find chocolate flavored peanut butter.
Every once and a while I will spoil myself and buy Almond butter or this amazing maple cashew butter from our local hippy co-op. At one of our recent grocery shopping trips I was having the ounces versus price debate with myself over fancy almond butter when my husband asked, “Are you suddenly allergic to normal peanut butter?” Considering that my two almond butter options were both more than twice the price of the peanut butter I usually get I cannot blame him.
As I grudgingly put the fancy stuff back and went to get the normal PB I decided it was time to take action and create the product I was looking for. I could make my own stinkin’ nut butter and I already had everything I needed!
My first two experiments were walnut butter and almond butter. The walnuts my mom bought me from Cost Co a while back and have been patiently waiting in my freezer. I am not a big walnut fan because they taste bitter to me but they have been donned as the latest “supper food” so I had to get on board. Almonds I had from making Chickpea burgers, which were awesome by the way.
From there it could not have been easier. I set the oven at 350 and spread the nuts out on my half-sheet baking pan. When the nuts looked toasted i took them out and threw them in the food processor. i didn’t both with pulsing but just set the processor to ‘ON’ and read my book for a while.
Every few pages I would give it a look. When everything looked like it was the same consistency I gave it a taste. I added some sea salt and brown sugar and let it go for a bit longer. When it reached the texture I wanted I poured/ scouped everything out into an empty glass PB jar. These amounts made around 6 to 8 oz of butter.
The walnuts took about 16 minutes in the own and the almonds about 13 minutes. For half of the half sheet I added a ½ tsp of salt and a tsp of sugar to both. The thing that surprised me was the end consistency. The walnut butter was very loose and runny but the almond butter was stiff so I added some light olive oil to the almond butter to loosen it up.
For my second experiment I did a whole sheet of walnuts. I toasted them at a slightly higher temperature, 375. instead of brown sugar I added some maple syrup and processed it for a longer period of time. The consistency is completely different, It was much more smooth, almost like it had been whipped.
Total success. Now I am having day dreams of my new business.... :)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Today is October 21st
Today is the four year anniversary of the day that my husband proposed to me. I am awestruck with all that we have done in 4 years, how much we have changed.
Four years ago yesterday I was in Colorado watching one of my best friends from High School get married to the love of his life and hanging out with people that I rarely see but get along with so well. I was single, in my last year of college and had a promising career in the hospitality industry. My high school sweet heart only occasionally crossed my mind. It’s amazing how much can change in one day. One day that I will never forget. I had just gotten home from the red-eye flight back from Colorado; I planned on getting some sleep before part CT of Gordon’s wedding when I got a call from the last person I expected. Adam insisted that I come over right away because he needed to talk to me. We went for a walk but only made it to the end of his parent’s access way. Looking back the day was magical, the New England Autumn in full swing on a crisp but not cold day. I don’t remember when I cottoned on to what his intension was but I was stunned. Even now I am on the brink of tears thinking about it. He had been doing a lot of thinking, examining his life and his future. It was my dreams come true, this man in front of me – so nervous he was holding the wrong hand. As he was talking I was thinking about my life and my future, so many times I had pictured us together forever but recently those thoughts had been pushed away. The last time we had talked was his birthday at the end of July; we had not been in a relationship since March. Now here he was asking me to marry him. I think I responded with only a nod, unable to speak. I know I was crying though. When we got back to the house his parents had the champagne out. We took pictures and talked. I made Adam call my parents; it had to be one right, even if out of order. My Dad was stunned; he was at my sister’s house, in a park across the street watching my nieces.
That Day started the rest of my life. The wedding planning went quickly, I picked out the venue and the date, June 22nd, and the covered dinner, drinks and the cake. We used the florist and photographer from my sister’s wedding. The DJ was recommended by a friend. The day is a blur to me; I only remember a few things. We moved to Vermont where Adam had a good job and we could start our life easily. I found a job quickly as well with the help of one of Adam’s old professors. Since then we have bought a house, adopted 3 cats, been promoted and found a comfortable life together. We have found new hobbies and gone on adventures. Several times we have driven down the eastern coast to visit family. I think back on who I was 4 years ago and I know that I am a different person now, though I cannot articulate how I have changed. I have watched Adam change and grow for many years; he is nothing like the person I met so many years ago. He is more confident in himself and his choices, he is proud and beautiful. He is nurturing, supportive and appreciative; saying ‘thank you’ for every dinner even if it’s just defrosting something.
Ten years ago plus 11 days we started our first relationship: October 10th, 2001. We had known each other through friends but did not connect until the Homecoming dance that year. He had lost his glasses and I felt bad. I remember sitting in the courtyard and looking at the sky later on in the evening. I remember our first kiss a few weeks later, it was in my driveway and I think I kissed him first. I have 6 years worth of memories, some good and some bad. We started and stopped many times in the six years between the first October 10th and the fateful October 21st. I know now that every experience, even the times when hearts were broken, was important and necessary to the bond that we have today. I have no doubts about the decision that I made to get married; no concern about missed experiences.
I thank God every day for the life and the love that I have. I would not change a thing, I have no regrets just excitement and anticipation for whatever is next for us.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Productivity
On some of my days off I am productive and on others I cannot even say that I worked on knitting or crochet while I watched TV. I have been trying to think of why that is; do I not have a good plan or motivation? Strangely that isn’t it. I have woken up in the mornings and thought about all of the things that I wanted to do that day. I have even set up projects or planned ahead so everything is ready for me but then something happens and I am on the couch carefully selecting a Netflix movie to watch.
Other days, like today, I sleep in and think of nothing but curling up on the couch and watching some dumb movie.Here I am though, its 12:30 and I have successfully made both almond and walnut nut butters and I have veggies roasting in the oven for soup. I have plans for this afternoon to work on a Christmas gift as well.
I can’t even say that my weekend days are balanced, one productive, one sloth like. Yesterday was a great day. Again I woke up wanting to spend the cold rainy day on the couch and, admittedly, work on a kntting project. One of my husband’s friends was going to come over in the morning and help Adam with a dump run. Suddenly Jeremy is not coming and we are going to the big city to go shopping.
I remembered to bring my project so I got a few rows done in the car, we went to the Mall and I got a new pair of shoes ($11 black pumps :D) and some fancy socks. Then we went to Loews and finally got the matching switch plate for the kitchen. We got lunch at 99, one of our favorite places, and then split up - Adam went to BestBuy to look at entertainment stuff and I went to Christmas Tree Shoppes to stock up on unnecessary Tea, cat toys and kitchen supplies. We were home by 5 to relax and watch TV (and continue to work on knitting).
I guess it comes down to what want to get done that day. Sometimes I really should just stay on the couch; maybe I just had the worst week ever or if I am starting to get sick. If nothing is all I do - mission accomplished.
Other days, like today, I sleep in and think of nothing but curling up on the couch and watching some dumb movie.Here I am though, its 12:30 and I have successfully made both almond and walnut nut butters and I have veggies roasting in the oven for soup. I have plans for this afternoon to work on a Christmas gift as well.
I can’t even say that my weekend days are balanced, one productive, one sloth like. Yesterday was a great day. Again I woke up wanting to spend the cold rainy day on the couch and, admittedly, work on a kntting project. One of my husband’s friends was going to come over in the morning and help Adam with a dump run. Suddenly Jeremy is not coming and we are going to the big city to go shopping.
I remembered to bring my project so I got a few rows done in the car, we went to the Mall and I got a new pair of shoes ($11 black pumps :D) and some fancy socks. Then we went to Loews and finally got the matching switch plate for the kitchen. We got lunch at 99, one of our favorite places, and then split up - Adam went to BestBuy to look at entertainment stuff and I went to Christmas Tree Shoppes to stock up on unnecessary Tea, cat toys and kitchen supplies. We were home by 5 to relax and watch TV (and continue to work on knitting).
I guess it comes down to what want to get done that day. Sometimes I really should just stay on the couch; maybe I just had the worst week ever or if I am starting to get sick. If nothing is all I do - mission accomplished.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Still Alive
I am still alive!!! Don't worry - I am still cooking and creating and getting up early.
Summer came and went by so fast, it took me a while to catch up and process. Then the Fall hit hard at work and I got lost in everything.
I am back now and will be posting on a regular basis (or trying).
Here is a preview of some of the subjects:
Summer came and went by so fast, it took me a while to catch up and process. Then the Fall hit hard at work and I got lost in everything.
I am back now and will be posting on a regular basis (or trying).
Here is a preview of some of the subjects:
- Quilting
- Knitting
- House updates
- New Chicken recipe
- Summer events and activities
- Maybe a few book reviews.... Sam - what can I say, I am inspired by you.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Eggplant
Try eggplant.
It is one of the more strange looking foods in the vegetable and fruit section but boy is it good. I have been looking for new things to try and also have been doing research on foods that help with high cholesterol ( my big issue according to my doctor). Eggplant kept coming up so I went out and got one.
Relying on my trusty copy of Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything" I found out how to roast and then make the best Parmesan something ever, well so far. And it was so easy.
To Roast, peel the eggplant and slice into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick pieces. Brush with oil (olive), flip and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. From there the slices can go right on the Grill or under the broiler, say the broiler on your favorite toaster oven.. leave them alone until golden brown, flip again and brown the other side.
At this point I like to coat the bottom of an oven safe dish with tomato sauce and carefully fit the slices in, layer in more sauce and mozzarella cheese and back that for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbling nicely.
If the prospect of another dirty dish is out of the question simply place a few slices on a plate, spoon hot tomato sauce over add cheese and presto! Self serve eggplant parm. The naked, cooked slices hold up well in the fridge for a day or two waiting to be a great lunch. Oh, if you like a more creamy cheese presence add a bit of American cheese to the mozzarella.
It is one of the more strange looking foods in the vegetable and fruit section but boy is it good. I have been looking for new things to try and also have been doing research on foods that help with high cholesterol ( my big issue according to my doctor). Eggplant kept coming up so I went out and got one.
Relying on my trusty copy of Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything" I found out how to roast and then make the best Parmesan something ever, well so far. And it was so easy.
To Roast, peel the eggplant and slice into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick pieces. Brush with oil (olive), flip and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. From there the slices can go right on the Grill or under the broiler, say the broiler on your favorite toaster oven.. leave them alone until golden brown, flip again and brown the other side.
At this point I like to coat the bottom of an oven safe dish with tomato sauce and carefully fit the slices in, layer in more sauce and mozzarella cheese and back that for 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbling nicely.
Skirt
I made a skirt!!!
This is a huge triumph for me. I started with 1.5 yards of fabric that I love and have had for 5 years. Adding to that is a great need and desire to make my own clothes as I can never find skirts or pants that fit me or my style.. well me mostly. Throw in motivation, time and an existing skirt (that I converted from pants 8 years ago) and there you have it!
The best part is IT ACTUALLY FITS! :D When I first made the skirt it was really big and I was so pissed because of the way I did the waist band. I would have to completely deconstruct the top of the I skirt to take it in. Then I decided to wash it and see how things looked. My washer and dryer are miracle workers.
This project was a great experience for me. I used tissue paper ( for wrapping presents) for the pattern and did a bunch of math: my waist is so many inches and I intend on having 4 panels so they all have to be so many inches on the top.
I used many different colored pens when I was converting the existing skirt dimensions to be the skirt that I wanted. To make the front and back panels symmetrical I discovered that I could just fold the fabric over - perpendicular to the direction of my pattern. I used an invisible zipper and foot for the first time! It worked out so well and I was so excited about it that I forgot to add the pockets (oh well).
I even did darts - I had to, it was from the original pants and actually helped shape the skirt nicely. The darts are a funny learning experience. If you make them too severe you end with what I like to call Nipple Bottom. I have no pictures of said Nipple Bottom because I was able to undo and elongate them. I found the best way to determine how long they should be by using the iron, though I am sure there is an official way.
Now that I have done this one I can't wait to change the pattern and see if I can make a different one! Or maybe just try the same one but with different fabric...
This is a huge triumph for me. I started with 1.5 yards of fabric that I love and have had for 5 years. Adding to that is a great need and desire to make my own clothes as I can never find skirts or pants that fit me or my style.. well me mostly. Throw in motivation, time and an existing skirt (that I converted from pants 8 years ago) and there you have it!
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| The liner fabric is from another project that I took apart |
This project was a great experience for me. I used tissue paper ( for wrapping presents) for the pattern and did a bunch of math: my waist is so many inches and I intend on having 4 panels so they all have to be so many inches on the top.
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| See, no Nipple Bottom. |
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| Charlie is SO helpful! |
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Title
Don't worry people, the blog is not changing - just the name. I was never really happy with Creative Rambling but I had to come up with something to have a blog. I am extremely happy with The Sunrise House because I am often up at or before sunrise doing stuff and most of the rest of the house is up with me.
I am on a time crunch now but I will be back later to tell all about the most delicious and easy Eggplant Parm recipe.
See you on the flip side!!
I am on a time crunch now but I will be back later to tell all about the most delicious and easy Eggplant Parm recipe.
See you on the flip side!!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Hummus Success
It is now Thursday evening and I have yet to write anything as I had planned, I did however get the computer turned on one morning this week. I am not so surprised, this week has been very intense, with heat, humidity, yorping cats and the need to (once) and mistake of (a different morning) sleeping past my alarm.
I did have a great pre-breakfast morning on Tuesday. Got up on time, maybe even early, got my exercise in and I experimented with a new hummus recipe.
This was not a planned or intensional experimentation but out of need. During the weekend when I might have had a quick 10 minutes to get some more hummus together I did not realize that my supply was so low. Monday rolled around and I had just enough to make the standard lunch of late, hummus and cheese with pickled something on HM roll. The pickled something refers to the two jars I have in my fridge; pickled curry green tomatoes and sweet picked hot peppers.
Lo and behold my pantry did not come through for me this time – no chickpeas. But I did have plenty of black beans, so I went for it. I was partially inspired to do a non chickpea hummus from the small spread about Fresh Peas in the May 2011 issue of Whole Living, featuring – you guessed it! - a fresh pea hummus.
One well rinsed 16oz can of black beans, a medium clove of garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon each of tahini and lemon juice, a half teaspoon each of salt and cumin plus a quarter teaspoon of black pepper later I have a respectable amount of the best hummus I have ever made.
It is smooth and full of flavor, great plain (even before 6AM) or on my sandwich. The smooth part is really key for me as I usually end of adding way too much tahini and lemon juice to my chickpea hummus to try and get it to smooth out. I would, and will, say that this was a huge success.
My next adventure is eggplant parm, though I am planning for his one. What adventures have you taken in the kitchen lately?
I did have a great pre-breakfast morning on Tuesday. Got up on time, maybe even early, got my exercise in and I experimented with a new hummus recipe.
This was not a planned or intensional experimentation but out of need. During the weekend when I might have had a quick 10 minutes to get some more hummus together I did not realize that my supply was so low. Monday rolled around and I had just enough to make the standard lunch of late, hummus and cheese with pickled something on HM roll. The pickled something refers to the two jars I have in my fridge; pickled curry green tomatoes and sweet picked hot peppers.
Lo and behold my pantry did not come through for me this time – no chickpeas. But I did have plenty of black beans, so I went for it. I was partially inspired to do a non chickpea hummus from the small spread about Fresh Peas in the May 2011 issue of Whole Living, featuring – you guessed it! - a fresh pea hummus.
One well rinsed 16oz can of black beans, a medium clove of garlic, a tablespoon of olive oil, a teaspoon each of tahini and lemon juice, a half teaspoon each of salt and cumin plus a quarter teaspoon of black pepper later I have a respectable amount of the best hummus I have ever made.
It is smooth and full of flavor, great plain (even before 6AM) or on my sandwich. The smooth part is really key for me as I usually end of adding way too much tahini and lemon juice to my chickpea hummus to try and get it to smooth out. I would, and will, say that this was a huge success.
My next adventure is eggplant parm, though I am planning for his one. What adventures have you taken in the kitchen lately?
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Dressing a Salad
Salad Dressing
The Rule of Threes..or fives depending :)
In trying to get in shape and get into healthy habits now while it is “easy” I make myself a salad for lunch every day. It might just me a side salad of spinach or the main course with spinach, beans, nuts and tomato – all depends on what I am feeling like and how hungry I was the day before.
Whatever the salad I always need dressing but I am usually not satisfied with the store bought selections. I find dressing to be too fatty or not have enough oil, too salty or with too sugar and never the right consistency. Being from a family of great cooks I have grown up with homemade dressing so it was not daunting for me to just make my own and be happy.
I make a half cup batch at a time because that it the container I have to bring to work and I can usually get 4 to 5 days out of that amount. I love this system because I like variety. Having the same dressing ever week is boring and makes me regret salad which is a very bad thing. I should say this applies for non-creamy dressings. But I guess you can mix some mayo or sour cream in and achieve what you are looking for.
Making the dressing. I find it is a rule of threes but if you like dressing to be lighter on the oil it should be a rule of fives. The basics are one part flavor and acid two parts oil though your preference might be 2 parts flavor and acid to 3 parts oil or vice versa. The creamy ingredients would be on the oil side of the parts and maybe use a daily liquid to loosen not oil. I always season with 2 pinches of ground pepper and a ¼ tsp of kosher salt. For the spices I use dashes so the absolute max amount would be a ¼ tsp, the sweeteners could range from a ¼ tsp to a full tsp and anything chunky (onion flakes, or dried herbs) usually is a main flavor so ½ tsp to a full tsp.
The main combinations I use are:
curry, ginger, cumin and garlic with brown sugar and white wine vinegar
ginger, honey and lemon juice with white wine vinegar
ginger, garlic, chive and soy sauce with a few drops of sesame oil with light oil
garlic, mustard powder, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar
onion flakes and parsley with balsamic vinegar
I try to experiment with the herbs and spices I have to find new and interesting (but never again) combinations. I would recommend working in small batches until you get the hang of it. There is nothing worse than being stuck with or throwing out a large amount of nasty dressing.
The Rule of Threes..or fives depending :)
In trying to get in shape and get into healthy habits now while it is “easy” I make myself a salad for lunch every day. It might just me a side salad of spinach or the main course with spinach, beans, nuts and tomato – all depends on what I am feeling like and how hungry I was the day before.
Whatever the salad I always need dressing but I am usually not satisfied with the store bought selections. I find dressing to be too fatty or not have enough oil, too salty or with too sugar and never the right consistency. Being from a family of great cooks I have grown up with homemade dressing so it was not daunting for me to just make my own and be happy.
I make a half cup batch at a time because that it the container I have to bring to work and I can usually get 4 to 5 days out of that amount. I love this system because I like variety. Having the same dressing ever week is boring and makes me regret salad which is a very bad thing. I should say this applies for non-creamy dressings. But I guess you can mix some mayo or sour cream in and achieve what you are looking for.
Making the dressing. I find it is a rule of threes but if you like dressing to be lighter on the oil it should be a rule of fives. The basics are one part flavor and acid two parts oil though your preference might be 2 parts flavor and acid to 3 parts oil or vice versa. The creamy ingredients would be on the oil side of the parts and maybe use a daily liquid to loosen not oil. I always season with 2 pinches of ground pepper and a ¼ tsp of kosher salt. For the spices I use dashes so the absolute max amount would be a ¼ tsp, the sweeteners could range from a ¼ tsp to a full tsp and anything chunky (onion flakes, or dried herbs) usually is a main flavor so ½ tsp to a full tsp.
The main combinations I use are:
curry, ginger, cumin and garlic with brown sugar and white wine vinegar
ginger, honey and lemon juice with white wine vinegar
ginger, garlic, chive and soy sauce with a few drops of sesame oil with light oil
garlic, mustard powder, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar
onion flakes and parsley with balsamic vinegar
I try to experiment with the herbs and spices I have to find new and interesting (but never again) combinations. I would recommend working in small batches until you get the hang of it. There is nothing worse than being stuck with or throwing out a large amount of nasty dressing.
on my mind...
Lately I have been bursting with great crafty ideas and filled with a yearning to do...something.... Every time I turn around a new idea comes to me; a cotton shell to wear over tanks for work, a sandwich roll idea using pizza dough, trying to adapt my bread recipe into cinnamon swirl, making a skirt.. and the list goes on. I also again find myself starting blog posts in my head but I never write anything. This is frustrating for me because if I don't take the time to write things down and think projects through I forget – either the whole thing or some key part.
All of this creative thought leads me to believe that summer is finally here and that I am more effected by the seasons than I realized. The season thing can and will be remedied as I have quite a few months and even some snow magic before I really get down. The Summer thing is something much harder to believe. Yes, there are blooming flowers – my azaleas looked fabulous this year, and the weather is warmer but I have yet to see the sun for more than a few hours at a time and we have had more rain that I know what to do with. In fact we had flash flooding just last weekend – the 100 year cycle coming around again me thinks. Of course it was in the middle of the night so the pictures are just aftermath.
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| This is our side walk covered in the silt from the river breaching its bank and flooding our neighborhood. The water came right up to the foundation of the house. We luckily had minimal damage. |
But that is not what I am here to declare.
Since I am up at a totally unreasonable hour and have an excessive amount of time in the mornings, even after feeding the cats and myself, making lunch and doing a small exercise routine, I plan on doing 5 to 10 minutes of writing a day. Not everything will be published but I think it will help me to get thoughts out and recorded and to make more progress on the substantial back log of blog post subjects that I have.
We shall see how it goes.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Baby's First Haircut
Today Henry got his first hair cut; I think it was harder for me than for him. I was very nervous about how he would react and if he would have a really hard time with the whole ordeal. I had my husband take him so that I would not have to watch the freak out. Henry is the black and white long haired one on the right.
I had nothing to worry about though. Adam came back with a full report of considerably good behavior and reaction. The Groomer did cheat a bit with 'Rescue Remedy' - Natural stress relief for pets, which may have mitigated some of the panic. Whether it helped or not, she did manage to get all ten of his nails clipped as well.
I think the most shocking thing is how small Henry really is. We consider him to be the big man on campus. He is heavier than the other two and just bigger overall. But let me tell you; its all hair. All of it. My Mother- in- Law was correct in calling him the Marshmallow.
I had nothing to worry about though. Adam came back with a full report of considerably good behavior and reaction. The Groomer did cheat a bit with 'Rescue Remedy' - Natural stress relief for pets, which may have mitigated some of the panic. Whether it helped or not, she did manage to get all ten of his nails clipped as well.
I think the most shocking thing is how small Henry really is. We consider him to be the big man on campus. He is heavier than the other two and just bigger overall. But let me tell you; its all hair. All of it. My Mother- in- Law was correct in calling him the Marshmallow.
I guess we will have to come up with some new nicknames....'Big Fluff' just does not seem very fitting...
Thursday, April 21, 2011
New Project Love
Two of my favorite couples are getting married this year, and I am pumped. Both couples were at my wedding (kinda) and all four people are extremely important to me. What does this mean? Wanting to put thought and meaning into their wedding gifts.
Easy right? Ha!
I was at a complete loss until Sam (future wife in couple P) asked my husband to make them a gift and then BAM! I had an idea-quilts. YES!!!! Nothing quite like a good comfortable idea to send my creative motivation through the roof (and my work attention span down the drain).
Obviously I cannot speak of my ideas and plans but I will, hopefully, when they are done and given away.
I have not been excited about quilting since I was a Freshmen I college and wanted something to express my creative side as Art classes sucked. That idea turned into a 6 year labor and a King Size quilt. I learned a ton about quilting but I made some big mistakes as well. I really look forward to taking the time to plan everything out and do research on how to do things properly.
Wish me luck!
Easy right? Ha!
I was at a complete loss until Sam (future wife in couple P) asked my husband to make them a gift and then BAM! I had an idea-quilts. YES!!!! Nothing quite like a good comfortable idea to send my creative motivation through the roof (and my work attention span down the drain).
Obviously I cannot speak of my ideas and plans but I will, hopefully, when they are done and given away.
I have not been excited about quilting since I was a Freshmen I college and wanted something to express my creative side as Art classes sucked. That idea turned into a 6 year labor and a King Size quilt. I learned a ton about quilting but I made some big mistakes as well. I really look forward to taking the time to plan everything out and do research on how to do things properly.
Wish me luck!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sweater Progress
In a turn of success, I was inspired for another attempt at the bolero but this time I had the correct needle, checked my gauge and rejected the pattern stitch and just K the knit and P the purl. The Bolero turned out just how I wanted it, big and cozy. This is a great success for me and it seems like I was against the odds after reading all of the reviews of the pattern. In the end I had to look up a different Lion Brand pattern to get the specifics on how to do the finishing on part of it. I might have been a bit liberal with the length on certain parts as well-it's my sweater darn-it!.
I have recently bought one of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s books, Knitting Without Tears. The concept of a sweater with no seams is so exciting I can’t stand it. I read slowly-which killed me-but I wanted to make sure I really absorbed as much as I could. The book changed my knitting life- I now understand gauge and how to make it work for me and the percentages system is so far working well.
I have completed the body up to the arm pits and did the 3/4 length sleeves this weekend. This sweater project was a test of my tolerance during the first try but now it is an exciting challenge where I am learning new things and honing my skills. The project is now sentimental as I am using my Nana's size 5 metal circular needle and the set of size 5 double point needles are from my mother.(Thats right, metal knitting needles. Dude. I have found the trick with metal needles is the tension-too loose and they slip right out causing a heart attack but just right and they happily stay.)
Anyways, I will be adding the sleeves today and starting with the yoke part!! YAY!!! I plan on making it a wide neck and I intend (right now) on doing a simple eyelet detail around the neck to make it interesting.. we shall see how I do..
I have recently bought one of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s books, Knitting Without Tears. The concept of a sweater with no seams is so exciting I can’t stand it. I read slowly-which killed me-but I wanted to make sure I really absorbed as much as I could. The book changed my knitting life- I now understand gauge and how to make it work for me and the percentages system is so far working well.
I have completed the body up to the arm pits and did the 3/4 length sleeves this weekend. This sweater project was a test of my tolerance during the first try but now it is an exciting challenge where I am learning new things and honing my skills. The project is now sentimental as I am using my Nana's size 5 metal circular needle and the set of size 5 double point needles are from my mother.(Thats right, metal knitting needles. Dude. I have found the trick with metal needles is the tension-too loose and they slip right out causing a heart attack but just right and they happily stay.)
Anyways, I will be adding the sleeves today and starting with the yoke part!! YAY!!! I plan on making it a wide neck and I intend (right now) on doing a simple eyelet detail around the neck to make it interesting.. we shall see how I do..
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wait a Moment
Oh My Gosh, it has been along time since I invested a few moments for my blog! Life has been very busy for the past few weeks with a business trip and the associated catch-up and with house improvements that my husband has hinted at, I have so much to write about and no time!
I will get to it, though I can't promise..not with the other promised- yet still missing- posts hanging over my head.
Though our visit has been short, it is a hello none the less and a commitment to stop by again soon!
I will get to it, though I can't promise..not with the other promised- yet still missing- posts hanging over my head.
Though our visit has been short, it is a hello none the less and a commitment to stop by again soon!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Snow Day
Yes, a snow day...it may have been in the mid 30s this past weekend, raining like there was no tomorrow and melting/ condensing about 50% of our accumulation but at about 2:30 yesterday the temperature again dropped below the freezing point and the precipitation turned from clear to white. Because it had not been so warm the snow started sticking almost immediately though we did not have much accumulation the rest of the afternoon and evening.
When I got up this morning I decided to not look outside and go about the morning ritual as usual though I don't really know why but let me say this, my employer delayed opening for 2 hours because there was so much snow. This is Vermont-they never delay opening a business that isn't a public school. So there I was around lunch time..full of energy looking out of the windows and 18+ inches of snow checking my email and getting work done like a good employee. :(
A desperate thought occurred to me- The driveway and walkway need to be shoveled..maybe I could convince my husband to come out into the white abyss...There is nothing quite like having to do work on a snow day to inspire dreams of shoveling and being pummeled with snowballs.
It was great, I started out by jumping off the banister of the front steps-it was epic. We threw snow balls, we tackled each other, we attempted trekking into the back yard (we gave up quickly), it was so much fun.
I can't help wondering what others are doing or did on their last snow day...
Plus I can now say that I did play in the snow at least once this winter, well in the last 2 years...
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My Red Devil Sweater
As my first 2011 project I wanted to make myself a sweater. I picked out two different ones as I couldn't decide and bought all the yarn I needed and got started. I started with this bolero, marked as easy with the Tudor color of Homespun- I have been dreaming of using this yarn since I saw it in the store. Well the pattern stitch coordination seemed a bit too complicated. Also I did not gauge my stitch- I know I am reckless but I didn't have the recommended needle size and this is my first project where is mattered and I didn't know. So I got to the point where you join the front left panel and the front right panel to start working on the rest and lo and behold they are so wrong I can’t even describe it. That got undone quickly.
So I started working on option B, this sweater, in cranberry Wool Ease. I worked with Wool Ease a lot for several Christmas presents and really enjoyed it so I looked for patterns specifically for Wool Ease (again a beginner). I liked the look of the model in the sweater and I thought that I could get around the collar-I am not a fan of clothes touching my neck.
So I started working on option B, this sweater, in cranberry Wool Ease. I worked with Wool Ease a lot for several Christmas presents and really enjoyed it so I looked for patterns specifically for Wool Ease (again a beginner). I liked the look of the model in the sweater and I thought that I could get around the collar-I am not a fan of clothes touching my neck.
I got through the back panel and it seemed to go smoothly though I didn’t get to finish all of the directions because I had reached the desired length. The front started out just as smooth but at the point where the collar starts we started fighting. I kept managing to find other things to work on and it seemed that my red sweater would stop there. Finally I put on Harry Potter audio book and sequestered myself in the living room and got past my road block. Again though, I didn’t get to finish all of the directions because I had reached the desired length. At that point I was having doubts of the outcome of this project. I had the dread f completing the sweater and never wanting to wear it. It seemed loose and more like a tight net than a nice sweater. This is when it became the red Devil sweater.
But I fought on. I completed one sleeve in two days and things were good. On to the next sleeve which was harder to get done as I didn’t have a good free weekend. I was knitting away in the car with my mom, a huge knitter, and I am trying to show off (What was I thinking!!) and she confirms all of my red devil sweater doubts with 4 words: “You’re a loose knitter.” I was strong and said that I knew and was compensating. Even as an adult you lie to your mom.
The worst part was that this was the last piece, after the sleeve I had the collar and sewing left-practically done.
When I got home all of that beautiful cranberry yarn and all of the bits of sweater and several stitch markers all went into a plastic bag under the bed in the guest room, to stay until I could find another pattern to love and be inspired by.
It is still there by the way 2 months later.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
A Bad Morning
Sleeping in on the weekends is always a crap shoot for me. Our lives are so regimented during the week that it is hard to break that cycle of getting up early- long before the sun is up and the heat is on-to get a start on the day. This is made even more pronounced when our 3 cats feel that they should always get fed on time, everyday whether the alarm went off or not.
Therefore I find myself often awake around 5:30 on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Most mornings I will get back into bed in the hope that I will fall asleep again, and often I do. Some mornings I am full of ambition and will decide, as I am dolling out dry food, to stay up and get things done. I got my mother's Christmas present done on one such morning in late November, I have measured, cut and pinned fabric for pillows.
This morning I decided to get back into bed as I thought that I had a chance at sleep. Especially after yesterday morning when I was woken before 5am by a well placed game of tail tag and the conquering of an evil plastic bag. I fell back asleep even after chasing Tina for 10 minutes trying to grab her and put in in the time-out room, the basement, with the boys. I know, half hour is just a half hour, why not just feed the cats then and get it over with? I will not reinforce bad behavior because 30 minutes easily turns into breakfast demands at 4:15 am.
Well I gave up on sleep at 6:30 after spending an hour thinking about cats and my blog. It was really cute though, all 3 babies joined me in bed, Henry just on my side of the middle of the bad, Tina resting against my back tunneled under several layers of covers and Charlie standing in front of me enjoying the half hearted head scratches.
I donned my sweatpants and favorite sweater and headed for my heated throw and the couch where my latest project waited patiently. Did I mention that Tina loves the heated throw? If it's on the couch she will be there making biscuits ( or happy feet if you like). I had maybe 2 minutes of peace before Tina appears with her sharp claws and manages to pull a snag in my sweater. A huge snag in my favorite sweater of all time. Not just any snag but right on my sleeve right in eye view, I can't avoid it. I just wanted to relax, now I have to spend 30 minutes finding the right tool to fix this, the smallest of my knitting holder, and working the strand of the yarn back into place. The snag must have been 4 inches long and wouldn't pull back in with my usual techniques.
This is not how I wanted to start my day.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February
I had this great idea to do a post on the 31st about saying good bye to January and showing pictures of all of the projects that had been accomplished but not blogged about. I got the idea on Sunday as we were driving back from a trip to see family. Sunday night I made more bread, whole wheat this time, so there was no time there.
Monday was very busy at work and then home brought all of the chores and tasks that didn’t get done over the weekend. To help me fall asleep I starting writing in my head the Hello February post that would review January and give home to February. All hopes were dashed when at 11:30pm I had the first of many sessions with the mighty white porcelain god, when my 2011 bout of the plague started. Good thing my babies were there to comfort me..
By the time I was able to move about the house safely all of my motivation had gone down the drain, literally. I don’t remember much of Tuesday but I did manage to get hooked on Grey’s Anatomy. Wednesday brought attempts to get some work done and then more time on the couch, resting with Meredith, Cristina and McDreamy. Here we are on Thursday with my only attempt at hello and good bye and still not a lot of talk about my past projects. Oh well, better luck next time….
Oh did I forget to mention we got a ton of snow as well?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Today
The weather was so nice today, in the high 20's to low thirties, there was a chilly wind but nothing like the -20's we had last week. Even my house is staying a bit warmer.
However I cannot pretend that I am not sitting in my kitchen with fingerless gloves, two sweaters and a heated blanket on my lap. I am keeping a steady stream of boiling hot tea in my oversize mug and considering putting on another layer.
The thing that really amazes me is how the cats keep warm. They curl up on top of the fridge or snuggle up together. Only Henry seems okay with sitting on a cold surface. Both Charlie and Tina will go out of their way to sit on something soft or thermal. I guess that has to do with Henry being built for cold weather. He has very thick long fur which gets bigger and thicker in the winter, somehow. He also has fur between his toes that covers the bottom of his feet. Which, by the way, creates a whole bunch of entertainment when he is playing on our smooth wood floors.
But Charlie and Tina, my two short hair cats have found the best way to keep warm. I have to say I am jealous of their ability hang out in the warmest spot in the house.
If only I was small and could hang out by a heating vent...
However I cannot pretend that I am not sitting in my kitchen with fingerless gloves, two sweaters and a heated blanket on my lap. I am keeping a steady stream of boiling hot tea in my oversize mug and considering putting on another layer.
The thing that really amazes me is how the cats keep warm. They curl up on top of the fridge or snuggle up together. Only Henry seems okay with sitting on a cold surface. Both Charlie and Tina will go out of their way to sit on something soft or thermal. I guess that has to do with Henry being built for cold weather. He has very thick long fur which gets bigger and thicker in the winter, somehow. He also has fur between his toes that covers the bottom of his feet. Which, by the way, creates a whole bunch of entertainment when he is playing on our smooth wood floors.
But Charlie and Tina, my two short hair cats have found the best way to keep warm. I have to say I am jealous of their ability hang out in the warmest spot in the house.
If only I was small and could hang out by a heating vent...
Sunday, January 23, 2011
A Breaded Day
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| Charlie in "face plant" |
It is around 4 in the afternoon on Sunday, though the sun is setting slowly today was a beautiful clear blue and a crisp 9˚. The day the is going reasonable well. There was the usual breakfast dance around 5:30, that’s when the cats decide that it’s time for mommy to get the heck out of bed which is on time for work M-F, but daddy came to the rescue and scooted them all into the basement for a few more minutes of extra quiet. After there was a lot of door scratching and general begging breakfast was given around 6 and I made the unusual decision to get back into my extremely warm and snuggly bed to get some extra Sunday sleep. Then I ignored my 7am alarm and was not up and moving until 8:45, which is just crazy.
We continued our favorite Sunday morning ritual of going to breakfast at a local restaurant and spent over 2 hours sitting, talking, planning and enjoying. Then me moved on to one of my favorite activities, grocery shopping which is known as the unspeakable activity as my husband needs convincing about partaking. When we got home I finally made good on my threat to make bread. I have been scheming and dreaming of making bread for many months now. Yesterday I remembered and dug out my William-Sonoma Essentials of Baking book, that was purchased quite literally a decade ago before I was even into being in charge of the kitchen.
Just as a side note I love this book, for someone who is comfortable in the world of baking and understands the basics it will seem a bit over detailed but it is perfect for me as baking is a bit foreign.
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| My kitchen work station |
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| Henry helping |
As my first experience of baking beyond pizza dough, muffins and cookies it was good. It was fun to get all of the ingredients and utensils I needed, and measure and create. Kneading the dough was extremely satisfying, even when the olives turned my nice smooth firm ball into a slightly sticky mess from the liquid I didn't drain off enough.
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| The kitchen plus husband |
Yesterday was just as good, happily. I managed to convince my husband to stay awake with me after the 5:00am breakfast dance by watching Return of the Jedi and making raisin cinnamon swirl toast with butter and cinnamon sugar.
I spent the rest of the day spread out in the living room getting past the motivation roadblock with my devil red sweater and listening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. We had pasta and homemade meat sauce and finished watching Jet Li’s Fearless, which is so good. Like some of Jet Li’s other movies its artistic and extremely well done and the fighting is strangely not that violent.
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| Tina |
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| Charlie and Henry napping together |
The bread is done and it really does sound hollow when thumped on the bottom.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Quick Cowl Triumph!
Hello from the New Year! I find it amazing that this is my first post as I think almost daily of the projects and dinners that I want to write about. It will be crazy as soon as I get going I swear!
Back to my quick cowl triumph!
I was looking for a small quick easy project to work on as I have hit a motivation road block with the sweater I am working on. It got a bit more complicated than I am ready for and I just can’t seem to be finding time to dedicate to it, strangely. In the great House Reorganization of 2011 (which I intend to talk about soon) I had found a few more crochet hooks and some bits of yarn that didn’t really fit into any of my skein end project ideas.
I love the idea of cowls and I have one that I made last year which is nice but not totally what I wanted it to be so a second try was exciting.
I had a bit less than half is a skein of Lionbrand Homespun pink left over from another project that struck my fancy so off I went on Monday. First with the wrong size, it was way too big, so I took it apart. The next night I tried this weird diamond pattern thing- not good at all. It took too much concentration and time. So yesterday I was scoping out my usual yarn and pattern websites and I saw a cowl done with a large sized hook and a simple double crochet stitch. It was perfect! I got home last night, hunted down my biggest hook – a size M wooden hook from my mom and got to work. Of course I had to stop and find an emery board, the hook and gotten a bit beat-up and kept on snagging on the yarn.
Here you can see the two together.. any my littlest helper, Charlie-my youngest.
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