Royal mail and a heavenly gift!!!!!!

Yep!  Royal Mail all the way from Wales!  I won a giveaway over at Faith's blog and I received it today in the mail!!!! (Sorry for the shadows....I have a sky light and it plays havoc with my photos during the day! )
She sent me this precious card that looks handmade with a sweet note from her inside.

 

I received the knitting book of the year!  Everywhere I look this book is being talked about, learned from and on many knitter's wish lists!  This may be beyond my skill level but after knitting all week I'm feeling up to the challenge!  Of course, only AFTER I finish all my YOP's...that goes without saying! (Tee Hee!)  But meanwhile it will be on my nightstand to be read and enjoyed! I am so into knitting right now I can hardly stand it!  Now I think I know what everyone's been talking about!  I see an addiction coming on!  I want to read about it, Google it, watch YouTube videos about it, talk about it endlessly with other knitting bloggers, pour over Ravelry every chance I get, and of course do it!  KNIT!!!!  Don't worry, I still love my crochet but knitting is new and different for me and a challenge and boy do I love myself a challenge! Ha! Ha!

 But wait....that's not all..........take a gander at this beauty!  More stash!  I'm so excited and this yarn is as wonderful to touch as it is pretty to look at!

and look at this gorgeous color "sweet pea" which always reminds me of my Granddaughter, who's name also happens to be Faith.  Her Dad calls her Sweet Pea.  100% Merino wool no less.........soft, not scratchy!  

And just in case I'm not sweet enough (which we all know I am ...LOL!) a cute little snack while I'm busy working on my YOP's!  Faith, you think of everything!  Aren't they just too cute? 

As if that wasn't enough, she gave me this, the sweetest present of all made by her very own hands while she's a busy wife and Mother.....amazing!

Ta Da!!!!!  Look at these precious flowers!!!!!  I love them!  I think I need to make a felted bag to sew these flowers onto.  Wouldn't that be cute? 

 Faith, I can't thank you enough for introducing me to YOP's and for the lovely gifts you included in your giveaway.  I've been wanting to have a drawing once I reach 100 followers.  Meanwhile, you have shown me how to make it very special for someone else when that time comes.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  You made my day, week, and month!

 Happy Saturday everyone! 

Addendum to my post 07/21/2012

At the time I wrote this I had no idea what had happened in Colorado.  I didn't watch t.v. all day nor did I talk to anyone so I didn't find out until the 6 p.m. news tonight.  My prayers and condolences go out to all those families and the emergency workers, doctors,  police and fire people who are still working to save lives, find answers and comfort those who are mourning.  In fact, my son and grandson were going to see Spiderman today.

Cleaning and clearing...............

I got busy today cleaning the guest room but I forgot to take a "before" picture of the closet. Trust me it was "full to the gills"!  I remembered about  halfway through.  I have guests coming but so far I haven't heard a date.  Not a peep since they said they were coming.   It's harvest season....I could be putting up tomatoes and all kinds of things but I'm putting it off because "I have company coming".  Trust me...if they don't show up I won't be entertaining any "company" ever again.  I didn't have a garden but I could be supporting the farmer's market.  Not that my house and guest room couldn't use a  good sprucing up but when you're a "farmer" there are priorities! LOL!  Oh well, company is worth more than all the veggies in the world.  But only if they show up! LOL!

I got it cleaned out and stored some of my canning supplies  in it so they're handy in case the "company" doesn't show up! LOL!

I cleaned this dresser but the drawers are filled with linens but I can remove them if "company" arrives.  I still have more to do but there was other "chores" today and knitting too!  I'll be back!
Hope you had a great Friday....one of the best days of the week! 

To be or not to be............a better blogger!

I ordered this book to help myself be a better blogger.  I am hoping it does the trick.  I've looked through it a little and already noticed the recommendation for a digital SLR camera.  I want to take better pictures but I cannot afford one of those so if that's what it takes I may just remain a "so-so" blogger.  I try to blog every day and yesterday I missed as I "canned" all day and I had a mess in my kitchen and I was tired and really I'd already blogged about the peaches.....there was just "more of the same".  Maybe my life isn't interesting or vibrant enough for the blogging world although I enjoy the heck out of it! LOL!
Any suggestions are appreciated and I will share what I learn from this book if anything.  There aren't a lot of blogging books out there and I was surprised at that as I thought there would be a ton of them.
I'm not into competing for the "best " blog or showing Pinterest pictures which anyone can do really ....I just blog about my daily life and I guess if it ends up just being a journal of that then that's okay too.  I've made some great friends here in Blog Land and it so nice to discover people with common interests to yours.
It's been busy here and I'm thinking others are busy in the Summer also and it rained here today so although you didn't see it..........I was out doing a Happy Dance!
I hope you got rain or shine today.... whatever your little heart desired!

Busy day but very satisfying............

I had to take the girls for their heartworm tests today and that took most of the morning.  Here's Nitty out in the parched front lawn waiting to go.  I couldn't upload Annie's photo for some reason but Nitty looks like a lioness stretched out on an African savannah.  Thank goodness both of them tested negative for heartworm.
When I came home I got busy with the peaches I had bought.

 

This is freezer peach pie filling.  I have another batch to do tomorrow.  But I took a few breaks throughout the day and managed to work on my dish towel for a bit.  I'm sure enjoying knitting this project.

I hope you are staying cool and comfortable and having a wonderful Summer!  Thank you for stopping by!

 

Houston! We have liftoff........I mean STASH!!!!! Oh yeah!

 

I received a whole bunch of packages today!  I was so excited I could hardly wait to get in the house and open it all as opposed to how excited I get when the bills for packages arrive. LOL!

This is a free pattern for a lacy shawl that was on the back of the Jimmy Bean's Wool package.  It is a knitted silk shawl with beads.  If anyone is interested I will mail it to you.  It's not something I'm interested in making or that I would wear.  I'll hold onto it for a week so let me know a.s.a.p. 

Look at these cutie pies from Lion Brand yarn!  Aren't they just the cutest????  They are called Bon Bons.  They are mini skeins specifically for little craft projects and/or embellishment.  I got one in acrylic and one in cotton.  There are also metallics and other colors.  They're so darling I think I might just put them in a jar for display in my future craft/sewing room.

Below is my Cascade 220 Superwash wool for my socks that I'll be knitting and is on my YOP list.

 

Below is my Rowan yarn for knitting a bath mat which is also part of my YOP list.
  I put a thimble so you can see the size of these skeins also.  They are bigger than Bon Bons but smaller than a regular skein.  This is a handknit cotton yarn. 

Here's a comparison picture so you can see the difference in sizes.

I told you I would give you my rundown on the yarn I ordered from the various online vendors.  Fabulous Yarn came in first for speed, selection and customer service, Jimmy Bean's Wool had less of a selection and emailed me that they were waiting for THEIR order to come in for the yarns but when I ordered, it stated they had the yarn in stock.  In their defense, they apologized and not only gave me free shipping but also a discount for my trouble.  As you can see, Lion Brand,  Webs and Jimmy Beans all came today.  They were all ordered at the same time except for Jimmy Beans which was ordered several days before any of the others.  Webs was the only one that had all the Rowan colors I wanted.  They have a great selection and in reality, I will probably use all of them again depending on what I'm looking for.  I think they are all great yarn suppliers and they all have great customer service and speed sometimes depends on your location in relation to them.
I also got some stitch markers and used them while I was knitting today.  I could not stay away from my dishcloths/towel knitting today.  When it goes smoothly I adore knitting....I guess I feel that way about a lot of things! LOL!

  I hope you had a wonderful Monday and as always I so appreciate your comments!

YOP Sunday update...............

Yes....it's time to update you on my YOP's!  I was so excited until I logged on and saw how many people had already finished a project.  Whoa Nellie!  I wonder if I'll ever get that speedy?  Probably not.....but it 's not the destination but the journey and so far I am loving the journey!  Here is my first project which I have gone from 5% done to 33% done.  It is my crocheted granny stripe table runner.  I love this pattern and it is such an enjoyable project to work on.

I also got my dish towel/cloth yarn in the  mail this week so I have something on my needles now!  It's not much that's for sure but it's a start.  It was a very slow start too!  I cast on 3 times and knit the first row before the count was the 56 stitches I needed.  Did I tell you I am a novice.  I am hoping these projects will award me with some knitting "mojo" as I love it but it does frustrate me more than crochet at this stage.  But I am determined to become a better knitter.  I'm after improving my skills in all areas this year.  So, if anyone has tips or techniques that will help....bring 'em on!  Thanks to all who are so sharing and giving of their wisdom in this group and on Ravelry.  I truly appreciate it!

 

I would love to just sit and knit today but I went grocery shopping and I'm also in the process of canning and freezing things so I am trying to stay hydrated by drinking this.........LOL!  This stuff is SO GOOD and refreshing and it's only $1.00 at Wal-Mart....I bought 2 and it's good until August 30th.

  So, no matter what you're doing stay hydrated and for all you fiber fanatics.....carry on!  Have a great YOP week friends!

Rain makes the flowers grow..........again

We had a little rain and it perked things right up!  The gerber daisy is blooming again and below my dessert rose bloomed for the first time.............

 I got some more yarn in the mail but this isn't for knitting or crochet...it's baker's twine and it comes in pretty colors for wrapping presents or all  kinds of craft projects.  I've wanted some for awhile and there was some on sale at Pick Your Plum   If you sign up for their email notices they will send you what's the craft bargain of the day.  They only have 1 item a day but it's at a low price.  They don't do it on the weekends just weekdays. 

 

I also got my new yarn wound into balls............by hand....I can't wait to get something on the needles and start knitting............ 

 I got all the peaches washed...all 59 of them....they're ready to process into peach pie filling and peach jam if I have enough for both.  In fact, I can hear them calling my name as I type this!  

I hope you all had a great Saturday!

Things are arriving in the mail....................

First there was this..............

 

 Then there was this..............

 And then there was THIS!!!!!!

Ramping up for my YOP's (year of projects) for Ravelry and to increase my knitting skills this year.  BTW Ravelry's YOP runs from July 2012 to June 2013 if you're wondering.  I have no stash to speak of so this has been an investment!  These yarns are specifically for some dish towels although I think they are more like dish cloths but only time will tell!  Now, I have to go wind them all into balls but they are SO pretty.  They are cotton from Blue Sky Alpacas.  Wish me luck! 

They also included information about a monthly giveaway contest so if you're interested just go to Fabulous Yarn     I also ordered yarn from Jimmy Beans Wool, Lion Brand and Fabulous on the 9th and they were the first one to arrive.  There is certain selection criteria that I am using to judge the yarn shops I order from and they are 1) speed 2) selection 3) price and 4) customer service.   I'll let you know how it turns out. So far Fabulous has won in the speed category! LOL!

Hope you had a very LUCKY  Friday the 13th!  

Something I've been wanting to try for awhile now..........

 I got all these tension rods at a garage sale awhile ago for $2.00 each.  I use these all the time.  I am not one to "install" curtain hardware and I use unusual things for curtains such as dresser scarves, feedsacks, tea towels etc.  Tension rods allow me the flexibility to hang just about anything just where I want it.  These happen to be 18 -28 " wide which is a very usable size.

I saw something somewhere where they used these types of tension rods to divide spaces in the cupboard for storing big flat items like cookies sheets and wire racks etc.  So I cleared and cleaned my jumbled mess of trays and tried it!  They fit, it took 5 minutes including wiping out the cupboard before I placed the rods inside and VOILA!  I can't believe how simple this was and such a no-brainer!  All the years that I have struggled getting cookie sheets out from underneath other big clunky trays and dishes.  I think it might have been Martha's organizing tip of the day one time.  This is the only way to go for storing these types of items! 

 

I made another batch of dog biscuits.  I need to get on top of this so I don't have to resort to the store variety.  I'm thinking I could make the dough and freeze it so I have it available.  I also put another rack in my oven so I can bake 2 trays at a time.  

 

 I hope you had a great Thursday and are enjoying good weather where ever you are!

Nothing very "blog worthy" lately...........except maybe this!

I've been doing the mundane stuff around here.  You know, laundry, bills, cleaning.  It certainly isn't picture worthy or blog worthy for sure!  But yesterday, as I was coming home from the local grocery store I spotted a sign.  At first I thought it was just a garage sale or a church supper sign but when I looked closer it said "FARMER'S  MARKET" at the Presbyterian Church parking lot 8:00 a.m. Wednesday morning!  I almost drove off the road!  I have been wishing, hoping, dreaming of a farmer's market here in our own town for years!
I would even travel sometimes to other towns to go to theirs but when gas prices went up it just wasn't worth my while.
So guess where I went first thing this morning?  You betcha!  I was worried too because I have been to some small town farmer's markets only to come home and find stickers on the produce indicating they had bought it at a local store and were reselling at a higher price!  I was praying that would not be the case here and it wasn't!
There was even an Amish family there selling produce and backed goods and homemade jams and jellies!  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!  You can bet the Amish do not spray pesticides nor do they use preservatives or preprocessed foods unless they processed it themselves.  I knew I could trust them!
In fact, I got to talking with them about the Amish up in Kalona, Iowa and they said they had relatives there.
I didn't know we had Amish around here but I am so happy!   They are such wonderfully kind and honest people and they make the best neighbors ever!  So, anyway.....here's what I got!

  I bought some of their homemade cinnamon raisin bread which I already sliced up and put away in the frig.
Some yellow wax beans which you never see in the store........

A beautiful eggplant and the best looking zucchini ever!

I also got to talking to one of the women about bread making and I was telling them about my "rustic no-knead" that I make ahead of time and store in the frig.   They were very interested and I wanted to buy a peach pie and ran out of money.  I went to the bank and then home to get the recipe to take to them.  By the time I got back all the pies were gone! Boo Hoo! I wanted a peach pie that they had there.   But I was glad they had so many customers as they will only come back if their items sell.  They were very appreciative of the recipe and I then went ahead and bought a whole slew of peaches so I can make my own pie and jam too!

  Aren't they just gorgeous?  I'm a happy camper or should I say shopper!  I had best get busy now before it all spoils!  I hope you had a great Wednesday and cheers for fresh, homegrown, pesticide free food!  It can be done!

Off on a tangent again..............

 

Well....the girls got their treats this morning and although I don't have a picture (they snarfed them down too fast!) they did like them...a lot!

My neighbor came over today and brought me a thank you card with a lovely note inside thanking me for watering their plants and bringing in the mail.  

 

They also brought me a jar of homemade Gooseberry jam from Rogers, Arkansas.  I was just talking with one of my blogging friends as she had blogged about gooseberries.  I love gooseberries and had them on my little farm so this is very much appreciated! 

They also brought me a $50.00 Walmart gift card which I will be returning!  I couldn't believe they did that!  But it certainly warmed my heart but I cannot accept it.  It's just part of being a good neighbor and that's what I will tell them when I return it.  The jam and card I'll keep!  YUMMY!

I spent a good portion of the day shopping for yarns and supplies online to work on my Ravelry YOP's (year of projects) and I found out I am supposed to post my progress on Sundays on my blog but obviously....I didn't!  I'll be ready next week though.  I went to order something by phone and lo and behold I had no phone service!  I had to go out and check the box outside and hook up a land line to it to determine whether it was the inside wiring or the outside.  It was the phone companies line so at least I'm off the hook financially.  I entered a trouble ticket over the internet and they said they will get to it within 1 day.  I guess I should have a cell phone after all!  

I hope everyone was more productive than I was today!

Blueberry dog biscuits for my awesome Nitty and Annie............

Remember all those flours and things I received  from Bob's Red Mill?  Well, before I started "bakin' the biscuits",  I had to find containers for all of it.  Above and below is the flax meal and it looks sort of like brown Splenda.   I'll include the recipe at the end.

  It's extremely good for you and you can sprinkle it on yogurt, cereal,  in your smoothies..just about anything really.  It's full of fiber, lignans (whatever those are?) and omega 3 fats.  I'll be trying it on my yogurt tomorrow but meanwhile it's going in the dog biscuits.   Then there's quinoa flour.....

 

And oat flour..............

 And 1 egg and some olive oil.

 

We can't forget the blueberries!

Add 1 cup of water and mix it all up and if it wasn't for the blueberries it would look like cement and it is a heavy, sticky dough.

I placed wax paper on my rolling surface and then some of the dough and put plastic wrap over the top and rolled it with my rolling pin until it was about 1/4 " thick.  I use a small cookie cutter because my girls get frequent treats so the smaller the better.  It's not a meal just a reward but they're such great dogs that they get them often!

I dipped the cutter into some of the oat flour and even still I had to push them out of the cutter at times.

Here's a tray of them ready to go in the oven.  They go in for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F but then when the 30 minutes is done you leave the oven door closed and leave them in there overnight to dry out.

They're still in the oven so I won't have a picture until tomorrow morning of the finished product nor will I have the opinions of the official taste testers.....Nitty and Annie...........

Here they are.....my loyal companions who are a bit disgusted with me now as I guess I forgot to tell them that they wouldn't be ready until tomorrow.  Whoops!  Nitty won't even look at me...

 

and Annie well.... that's a dirty look if I ever saw one..........and a dirty floor too!   Why don't I see the dirt when I'm taking the picture?  Maybe I need to go around my whole house and take pictures so I can see what's REALLY there....on second thought, maybe not.

This recipe is from Martha Stewart's employee's Mother who bakes these for her dogs.  

Blueberry Dog Biscuits   Yield: 30 large

--------------------------------------

1 1/2 C oat flour

2 1/2 C quinoa flour

3/4 C flax meal

1/2 cup frozen unsweetened blueberries

1/4 C olive oil

1 large egg

1 C water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line your cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated.  Take some of the dough and sandwich between 2 pieces of plastic wrap (although I used wax paper on the bottom).  Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to 1/4 " thickness and cut into shapes.  Place an inch apart on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.  After the 30 minutes, turn off the oven and leave the biscuits in the oven overnight.  The next morning, store them in an airtight container and they will last for 2 weeks or until all eaten up!   

Hope you had a fantastic weekend and a wonderful week ahead!  

P.S.  We got some rain!  Not nearly enough but we'll take it!  Thank you all for your concern and the rain dances!