Springtime like the North but in the South

I am loving this Spring, it took care of my homesickness!  It is cool and rainy and green everywhere!

 My little Grayson boy (3 year old grandson) had surgery yesterday at the University of Iowa and thankfully he came through it just fine!  It's hard to be so far away when you want to be supportive but as usual he had the nurses and doctors laughing as he sang Old MacDonald Had A Farm right before he went under.
I tried to stay busy around here to keep my mind from worrying and it worked.  I got lots done yesterday! LOL!
Monday I went to Wal-Mart, and Tuesday I did all the chores that didn't get done Monday while I was gone and today I made a batch of peanut butter cookies.

The hummingbirds are back too much to my surprise!  Someone told me to put the food out in May when I first came down here but I googled a migration map and lo and behold they arrive in our part of AR on April 1st!  All these years those poor hummers travel a thousand miles or more from Central America and I don't have anything for them until a month after they arrive?  Shame on me but this time I had the curtains open and there he was....right in front of the window looking in at me as if to let me know they were back and they were HUNGRY!  I didn't get a picture of them yet but they are buzzing the feeder for sure!  And Mama bird (not a hummer but not sure what) is in the nest on top of the curve in the gutter right outside my kitchen window.  She nests there every year and is such a good mom.
The pansies have filled out........these are nestled in the window well so they look better......

These are out in the open and get the driving rain and hail and wind but they're tough little flowers for Springtime weather!  But you can see the difference in them.

 The dogwoods are blooming in the woods too but I had to take a picture through the window as it was raining......

 It's been cozy and I've been cleaning up the living room and sorting through books and papers.  I'm not even dusting just vacuuming and organizing. 

When I take a break I knit a round on my sock.....I just finished the ribbing at the top and now I have 6 inches of stockinette before I get to the heel and gusset.  I love stockinette stitch.

 My evening crochet is coming along too.......I have the body done and one arm and I'm working on the other arm.  2 legs after that, some embroidery and sew it together and I'll have a "funny bunny"!  Oh, there are 2 red ears also that aren't in the photo but are finished.

I picked up some herbs at Wal-Mart and as soon as it stops raining and dries out a bit I need to plant them and also mow again!  This is Greek Oregano.............

Here's some thyme, Italian Oregano, mint and cinnamon basil.....ahhh, the aroma!

 I cleaned my statue of the Pieta today.  I've had this statue for over 40 years (and I can't believe my children never broke it like they did everything else I had! LOL!)  It has a wooden base and it's heavy so I have to hold it upside down and scrub it with a brush and detergent as there are all kinds of crevices as you can see.  The original is about life size I think.  When I first saw this statue I fell in love with it and I am no art connoisseur as I did not even know how famous it was or who did it except for it stated it on the front.  There is certain art, music, literature and beauty in this world that can give you shivers, speak to your soul or bring tears to your eyes.  This one does all 3 and I still adore it 40 some years later.

Happy Trails!

YOP Week #42

Finally, some new projects to show you.  I did finish my socks...after over a year?  I didn't try them on for the picture because I already had my shoes and socks on but I tried the first one on after it was finished and it fit like a dream thanks to Minding My Own Stitches expert advice.  She is our resident sock guru for the YOP group.

I ordered yarn for 3 new pairs as I will probably always have socks in the works either for myself or someone else.  I've noticed that once you start making them others want you to make them for them.  I taught myself to knit so I could make them for myself.  Do they have any idea what they're asking? LOL!  I never dreamt I would get the yarn in time to blog some of it but here it is.....there's another one coming and it was a custom order from Fishknits but she didn't charge me any extra....so sweet of her.  She'll be getting more of my business!  She's an Etsy shop and she makes this Canadiana yarn that makes your sock look like a Hudson Bay blanket.  Well, of course, I had to have it!  Those will be my Winter socks along with Springtime and Fall below.  I'll have to think about Summer socks....any suggestions?

  This yarn was very hard to find as I don't think they're making it anymore but I found some over on the designer's website.  I saw a pair Susan B. Anderson made up using this yarn by designer Kristin Nicholas and I wanted to try it.   Supposedly, you just knit as usual and it turns out looking like you did all this special colorwork like the Norwegian's do and which I love but don't know how....yet! LOL!
I reread Susan's blog post about it and checked the label and there were no special instructions so we'll see how it goes..........I got Springtime and Fall so of course I started on Springtime.....

I really haven't gotten far enough to see much yet but here's a closer look.........

Has anyone ever worked with yarn like this?  How does it just "happen"....is there anything special I need to do to make it turn out alright?  It must be magic! 

Here are Susan's socks in a different colorway.............perfect......I can only pray.....

Can you guess what it is now?  A little WIP of an amigurumi bunny.  I'm just starting to make the body now.  I get the biggest kick out of these little critters.  I might make myself a whole menagerie of them they're so cute!

I also started back on another WIP which I had barely just cast on when Christmas projects took over.............I haven't gotten too far yet but it's an enjoyable knit.  It's a Bee

 Blanket (as in baby but not necessarily) and I bought it as a kit from Knit Picks a while ago.  There are "cabled" bee designs later on in the body of the blanket and I didn't know how to do cables so I had to go learn that technique and now I know!  So, back at it...........

a few more preemie hats got done and I think I might be into April now.....catching up!

I measured the blanket I finished and it looks like I can get by with a yard of fabric for the backing and I found this wonderful tutorial on Pinterest for doing it.  Her blog is Italian Dish Knits and she's on Ravelry too.  She knitted a beautiful mitered square blanket then edged it with an I-Cord.....hmmmm, should I do that?  Would it add more stability to the blanket?  Then she hand stitched the backing to the edging and there is an overcast stitch to use so when the knit part of the blanket stretches it doesn't rip out your stitches.  Someone was thinking!  Brilliant!  There are so many smart and talented people out there and I thank my lucky stars for all of you!

 Hopefully, I'll be by later but there is supposedly severe weather on the horizon so we'll see. 

Happy Trails!

 

Best Spinach Quiche....EVAH!

 I have made spinach quiche for years but I have been experimenting with recipes and like Emeril, I try to "kick it up a notch".  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a creative cook but I do look for recipes that have "kicked it up a notch" and I definitely found one and I am not looking back!
Here is the recipe   This makes 2 pies and since I use the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crusts that come 2 to a package it worked out just right.  I'm not sure the "healthy" part of spinach quiche has been preserved in this recipe but DANG it is good!  There's cheese and eggs, and cottage cheese and butter and the green chillies are not hot chillies but add another "layer of flavor" that just takes it over the top!  So good and it heats up in the oven really well too for leftovers.  The microwave would make your crust soggy.  It was so nice to have a success after that crock pot disaster last week! LOL!
 

 While I was at the store they had some marked down produce that I could not pass up..........
I'll probably fix the artichokes tonight......dipping the leaves in melted butter....oh, I am SO bad!

These turnips will keep awhile........

and these oranges will go nicely with the quiche........

What great bargains huh?  That doesn't happen very often in the "real" food department.

 This bird was out in my back yard the other night and I think it is a hawk of some kind but not sure what kind.  Can anyone identify it for me?

It's raining here today and I have bills to pay and finances to work on but it would be harder to stay in and do that if it was nice out.  Plus, I will reward myself afterwards by spending "my allowance".  I know there is definitely some new sock yarn looming in my future!
Happy Trails!

YOP Week #41

 I missed last week but I had nothing much to show and what I had was a surprise for some so I couldn't show it anyway, lol!  But I am back with a vengeance this week!
A finish finally and you can probably guess what it is............

I haven't washed or blocked it yet and  I need to order the backing fabric which be a dark brown minky dot fabric.  The little guy this is going to is big on texture so I think he will like both sides.
Here are my 2015 Limited Edition Easter Eggs...........

The grands each got one and I still need to make one for my son and myself but we are older and more patient....I think.  I'm not sure by which end I should hang them.  The wider bottom actually looks better with the loop on it but then in actuality that is upside down.  Oh well, the kids won't notice nor will they care! LOL!

I need to keep a supply of this yarn in all different variations...I love it and you never get bored like you do when you're working on a solid.  The Noro is constantly changing before your very eyes!  It's magic!
I'm still not caught up with the preemie hats but I am almost done with March so it won't be long but I am needing some variety as I don't want to get tired of making the hats so.....

inbetween I will be dragging out this old project.  Do you remember it?  Stay tuned next week and maybe you will be able to tell........

Now that I've finished the blanket (knitting for someone else), I get to do something for me now...a WIP for sure.  I know you'll remember this project...please don't gasp at the fact I am still not finished!  At least it is the 2nd sock!  It shouldn't take me long now and I discovered a dropped stitch and fixed it myself!  First time!  Remember how I would tear it all out and start over? 

Unfortunately I noticed another dropped stitch but this one I am not sure how to fix and I am hoping against hope that one of you expert knitters will be able to help me.  

See where the orange marker is?  I just found the dropped stitch and I'm quite a bit down the road now.  I know how to pick it up with a crochet hook but how do I knit it back in at this point?  If I have to tear it out just tell me....I'm used to it but I don't want to if I don't have to.  Has this ever happened to you?  How did I not notice?  I would certainly appreciate any help you could give me on this "dilemma".

Yesterday I mowed the yard for the first time, cleaned out the garage (there's more to do), filled 2 garbage cans with brush and weeds and was still able to get out of bed this morning!  I was thrilled!
Today I'm going to try and get some paint on the shed as more rain is coming and of course, eventually it will get REALLY hot here but Spring is perfect temps so far so I need "to make hay while the sun shines".  I hope the sun is shining where you are.
Happy Trails!

Pinterest Progress.....I tried to publish yesterday but blogger and I were not getting along so here it is..a day late!

If you remember from last week's post, I was going to take 5 pins from my boards on Pinterest and do them and here is how that worked out along with the next 5 pins for this week.

1.  I wanted to start using my crock pot more in order to free up more time for other projects and also so I wouldn't have to stop in the middle of the afternoon to start fixing supper. 

PIN #1 - Pinned to my slow cooker board.  I want to do more slow cooker meals as I have the garage sale and organizing I'm doing and it seems like just when I'm getting going it is time to stop and make supper so this should fix that!  Indian Butter Chicken Naan Pizza with Lime ; Peanut Slaw Naan serves as the crust for our Indian Butter Chicken pizza. We slow cooked the toppings and then added tangy slaw on top. Recipe by Jessica Walker    This went in the crock pot this morning although I would highly suggest to myself and others that you prep all the ingredients the night before if you want to eat at a decent time! LOL!  I still have the side dish to make and the naan bread for the pizza base. REVIEW:  This meal took more prep work than a gourmet meal! I ended up  having a can of soup that night because there was still the naan bread to make!  REALLY? It was alright but I will never make it again.....ever!  It wasted more time than it saved and it wasn't that tasty. Here's a picture of mine.  Mind you, I am no food stylist! LOL! PIN #2 - These are pinned to my Organization board ~ aren't they darling? REVIEW:  These are just as darling as they look and I did download the fonts and the labels but there are some supplies needed that I don't have.  I need to order printer paper that has adhesive so you can peel it off your labels and they will adhere.  Also, there is card stock involved which I don't think I have but I might.  I think this will be a winner when I get done but for now it is still a WIP so stay tuned!    PIN #3 - This is timely...in fact I had better ensure I have supplies and I am ready as severe weather season is here.....like tonight! This is on my Self Sufficiency board or my Preparedness board...I should probably combine those 2.  REVIEW:   This was not very helpful as I was really looking at what you need to have on hand to be prepared for any storm where as this was more what to do and not do when there is a lightening storm.  Still good information but I already knew most of it.  PIN #4 -This is on my Organization board...are you seeing a theme here? LOL! REVIEW:  This is an excellent idea but I just don't have time for this right now but I will be implementing some time.  I will be printing off her labels and again there are supplies I need.  She uses a laminating machine but I don't think I'll invest in one...about $50.00, I think.  I'll see but right now I'd just be happy  to have a one word label on them.  She empties all hers, organizes by size and items and then laminates an inventory sheet onto the bin.  Good for her! LOL!  And I thought I was anal! LOL!  I'm not giving up on this one, I just have bigger fish to fry right now.!  PIN #5 - This is on my Food board......I have never made these but I remember them always being around at Easter when I was growing up.  Let's bring those "good ole days" traditions back before we lose them.  Do any of you make these during the Easter season? REVIEW: Here are my pictures of my hot cross buns and I used a Martha Stewart recipe instead because this one was in metric. I learned it is an old English custom. I followed the directions but they ended up like mini hot cross buns which was fine with me but I also did not "pipe" the frosting on as it was pretty "drippy"...maybe next time.  I did end up with lots of leftover dough which I froze.  I've been eating them with tea in the morning for breakfast and at night for a dessert.  They're tasty and the frosting has lemon in it.  Just what I like....a little something sweet but not too sweet.  These buns are just right! Now for this weeks picks! PIN #1 - I better hurry...more storms on the way!   PIN #2 - A monthly budget minder

PIN #3 -  I am not ready to do this but I am researching it.  Plus, my big question is "do you have to hire a mover to get all the furniture out of the room and then back again?" PIN #4 -  I have an old farm glider that is about in the same shape that I want to paint this Spring if it ever stops raining long enough.    PIN #5 -  I'm really wanting to get things organized and/or get rid of things!  "Use it up, make it do, throw it out or buy it new!"   Wish me luck on these pins and the weather!  We just got our first warning for the evening ahead. Happy Trails!

Surprise! Surprise! Day 2

 The dogs starting barking and I went to the door and "and what to my wondering eyes should appear?".....the UPS man carrying a long box to my front door that said F L O  W E R S!  I couldn't believe it as it is rarer and rarer these days! LOL!  My youngest son, Jim, sent them and are they ever gorgeous!  There must be about 18-20 pale pink tulips and about the same amount of Iris.  They took my breath away!

 They came with a pretty purple vase and very clear instructions which I have never seen before.  They said to cut off an inch on the bottom (which I always do that), they said to leave the plastic cone/sleeve around the flowers and mix 1 of 2 envelopes of flower food in room temperature water in the vase provided and let them sit like that for 3-4 hours which I did.  They said in 3 days give them fresh water using the 2nd envelope of flower food.  These pictures are after the 3-4 hours of sitting in the water with flower food.  None are open yet which is nice as they will last longer which means more enjoyment for MOI!

 On top of that they came with a small box of chocolates.....it brings a Mother to tears!  Tears of joy and thankfulness for such a thoughtful son. Although, I always tell them they shouldn't spend their hard earned money.  (Not that I don't deserve it...lol!)  But I know how expensive flowers are.

 This morning I awoke to this...........

 The irises are open and the tulips are getting ready.  Yesterday they were slanted over and this morning they were standing strong and beautiful.

These are from Pro Flowers and coming from a woman who has had many over the years these were the prettiest and healthiest I've ever seen.  Another bouquet that I got from my daughter a few years back were gorgeous too.  They were a big bouquet of meadow wildflowers from Martha Stewart and came in a mason jar.  She and Jim both know hot to pick 'em!  Literally! LOL!
Thank you, Jim....Mom loves you with all her heart...flowers or no flowers.  (He doesn't read my blog but just in case).  This has been a very good week so far and it's only Wednesday!
Happy Trails!