Fiber Freeze Frame | Entangled Vines WIP

November 16, 2013

This found its way to my needles last weekend. As soon as I made it past the sleeve division, I was right back onto the sleeves - partially because I cannot resist Alana's beautiful cables, but mostly because I loathe sleeves.

I'm almost ready to bind off sleeve #1, start sleeve #2, then I can settle in with quality tv stockinette knitting.

Pattern: Entangled Vines by Alana Dakos (Botanical Knits Book 1)

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Fuchsia

Raveled: Fuchsia Entangled Vines

Maybe I'll find some time to crank out a bit more of the Big Herringbone Cowl, but we'll see... Cheers!

With a heavy heart...

November 10, 2013

My Joey has had quite a presence with his own group of fans online and in person. Sadly, this last Thursday evening we said goodbye to our beloved Mr. Joey - the best boy that any mama and papa could ever ask for (and then some). I posted our news on Thursday evening on Facebook and since then I've been so very comforted by your kind words and *hugs* online and in person at the shop. You have all helped keep me glued together - thank you.

Our home is quiet without Joey and life will feel clumsy for awhile, but I know Mike, Logan and I will find a new rhythm as time goes on. My heart is heavy and words are difficult, so I'll close with a photo that makes me smile and reminds me of how wonderful the last 12+ years have been because of one seriously amazing dude.

Sauerkraut, Salsa and Rainy Days

October 31, 2013

Life has been crazy the last couple weeks, but things are calming down. I am, in fact, knocking on wood right now.

As I shared recently, we had a date with hubby's family to attend what has now become an annual sauerkraut making event. I've always enjoyed sauerkraut and we've been gifted homemade for years, but the tradition is now being passed down and 2 weekends ago, we attended our 3rd DIY kraut event. It's a relatively simple process with simple supplies: food processor, cabbage, salt, a bucket (ours was previously used for icing) and a good strong kraut smusher.

What is a kraut smusher, you ask? Well, this is ours and I suspect this is why we're invited. *wink*

After layering shredded cabbage and salt, elbow grease is added and this happens:

Cool, huh? Our bucket of kraut is now fermenting in our basement and will be ready to eat in a few weeks. I can't wait! The day wrapped up with a delicious meal of dumplings, roast pork, sauerkraut, and apple crumble. All in all, a pretty fabulous day!

I also spent some time in the kitchen last week - shocking, I know. Taking the Veggie Fairy's warning that the peppers she delivered were "H.O.T.", I used these lovely veggies for One Tomato, Two Tomato's Roasted Garden Salsa.

Following a recipe is a rare thing for me and I'm so glad I did - it's fabulous and easy!

After adding some of our garden tomatoes, I ended up with 5 pints:

I haven't been in the kitchen much this week. Mr. Joey wasn't feeling well over the weekend and has been at the vet since Monday. After a few days in their care, I'm happy to report that he's feeling much better and coming home today. At nearly 13 years old, we know he's an old boy and we're lucky to have a little more time with him.

The last few days have reminded me how quiet a house without a bossy Siberian Husky is and I can't wait to have a full house again! Neither can this guy:

When it rains, Mr. Logan seriously debates how bad he really has to 'go'. For a dog that's 'all dog', I always find this quirk of his amusing!