Monday, April 16, 2012

A New Project

I've been working on a new project, and have struggled with getting gauge.

Guess who has turned into a loose knitter when I wasn't looking?

Here's the one and only sneak peek I'll be giving until the pattern is released.


I hope you are enjoying your projects, and that they're being a little kinder to you than mine was to me.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

When Life Attacks

Friday, DH was driving to work and hit some tread that had fallen off a semi tire and was lying in the middle of the road. It was either hit it, or one of the cars around him. I think he made the correct choice. The car sustained some damage, though, so we had to file a claim with our insurance. And getting everything set up and scheduled was how that day was spent.

Saturday was shaping up to be a better day. I went to visit my sister, and my truck's transmission decided to stop working properly. We ended up cutting our outing short, and I was able to make it back home. Barely. It appeared to give up the ghost when I pulled in my driveway.

Sunday, Jay spent the day with Miss L's family, and while DH and I were able to spend some time together, I was mostly running errands. I had to do it while I still had a vehicle available. Nice way to spend Easter, no?

Monday I spent the day getting the cars to the garage, picking up a rental, and trying to activate DH's new iPhone. (Turns out the Droid phone he'd gotten was a dud -- after 5 phone calls to customer service we decided to send it back and get a new phone.) Unfortunately, our service provider was having issues that prevented activation initially, but it took them 2 hours and 3 customer service representatives to communicate that to me. At least it's finally working.

Now, the truck isn't acting up, so the mechanics can't find and fix the problem. Typical.

At least my garden is doing well.  Strawberries are ripening,

cabbage is forming a lovely head,

and the rhubarb is thriving.

The trees are all doing well too.

I finished a secret project, started another, and am able to work on the others that are in progress. There's the Triangle Summer Shawl that I'm knitting out of handspun linen/silk,

the Bouclé afghan that I'm knitting out of Joann Sensations,

the socks I'm designing and knitting out of Knitting Fever Indulgence,

and the cashmere top I'm spinning.

And, of course, I get to see an abundance of this adorableness.

I guess things are looking up.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Something New

It's time to upgrade my cell phone, so look what I got today:






Yep, it's an iPhone 4S.

I'm so EXCITED! I've been wanting one since they came out, but didn't have AT&T. I'm so glad they're available on other networks now. And that it was time for an upgrade. :-D

So sleek. Yes, I did remove the piece of plastic, but not before taking the picture. I was THAT excited.

Even the back is beautiful.

(Happy Sigh)

I believe I'll be playing on this for the rest of the day.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Playing Games

I've been playing a lot of games lately. Jay and his girlfriend, Miss L, both enjoy them, and when she comes over, we usually end up sitting down together to play. Some of the games we've been playing include:




Card games including Speed, Rummy, and BS.


But the favorite game, at least of Miss L and me, has to be


My sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sent us this last Christmas, saying it was one of their favorite games. I can see why!

I'd like to encourage everyone to get out some games and start playing.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Black Bean Soup






I had this delicious and healthy soup for lunch today. I started it in my crock pot yesterday afternoon. The slow cooking really brought the flavors together -- and made my house smell incredible. I sprinkled on a little grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, and served reduced salt Ritz crackers on the side (not forgetting to add a few to share with the pups). If you'd care to make your own, here's how I did it.

Black Bean Soup
1 lb. dried black beans, soaked and cooked
1 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
4 carrots, diced
9 mini red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
4 cups beef broth
1 t. coriander
1 t. oregano
1 t. marjoram

Place everything except the spices in the crock pot (you'll need at least the 5 qt. size). Stir, cover, and cook on LOW for 16 hours. Add the spices and cook for an additional 4 hours. Serve and enjoy.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Spring Cleaning

http://akadesign.ca/


I've started my spring cleaning in the kitchen this year with the refrigerator. I'll be going room by room 'til the whole house is done.

I love the feeling of peace and comfort I get when my house is in order.

h/t: aka design for the photo.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Unintended Hiatus



Well, I hadn't planned to take a break from blogging, but I did.

I plan to get back to it now.

Thanks for coming back.