Two Fronts
Posted on August 31st, 2009
I’ve got the two fronts of my cardigan done. Woohoo!
Assessing
Posted on August 30th, 2009
I fluffed out my still-incomplete quilt on the floor this morning, to assess its state of completion, how much further there still is to go, what I really want to do about that extra two-feet in size… so, naturally, Chappy came over to help.
Well, I suppose it’s nice to know that it’s comfortable!
Otherwise? I sorted through some of my books–I finally realized that I didn’t have to do all of them at once, I could do them shelf by shelf, so I’ve been looking through them–the ones I’d like to keep are vertical, the ones I want to get rid of are horizontal. I don’t know how much space I’m actually gaining, though, since my shelves have been overflowing for years, but I suppose just the fact that I’m getting the books I want to fit vertically is an improvement, right? The bad news is that I’m still going to need just as many bookshelves… of course, without knowing how big a house we’re going to end up with, that may or may not be a problem. (And I suppose I could store some of them in boxes and not on shelves if I have to.)
I also took pictures of the knitting books I want to get rid of, and will post those available for sale any time now–I just need to put the posts together, with lists of the books, which could take a while.
Oh, and I made this fabulous coffee cake yesterday. And, by “coffee cake” I don’t mean one of those cinnamon, fruit or nut confections meant to be eaten along with a cup of coffee. No, I mean this cake that IS coffee. Intensely coffee-flavored cake with coffee-flavored frosting.
Need a laugh? Check out this funny Some Assembly Required video, showing you how to assemble a cardboard book display … more or less. You’ve got to love a company with a sense of humor. (The Ritz crackers were a nice touch.)
Hope you all had a good weekend!
Incidentally, I’m closing in on 14,000 comments … all things considered, I think I could see my way clear to give away a knitting book or two as a prize to the person who leaves it! (hint, hint).
Look Alike
Posted on August 28th, 2009
So, I was going through some of my picture books … not ones from when I was little, mind you, but ones that I bought when my niece and nephew were little (though I read them more than they did).
This one definitely caught my eye. Look-Alikes by Joan Steiner.
One of the niftiest visual books ever. It takes ordinary objects and turns them into … something else.
Like, say, a cardigan sweater being a store front.
A building made of dog biscuits? (Chappy particularly likes this one–and, since those kind of biscuits claim to clean your dog’s teeth, I love that they house a dentist’s office).
How about a sofa made from a pair of gloves?
A train station made of tennis rackets and brushes?
An ice cream parlor’s chairs made from pretzels–and the booth cushions are fig newtons!
Check out some of the wallpaper detail.
How about a close-up of the wharf? (A mailbox?)
Although, there is ONE thing that is just being itself … the life saver. (Though I didn’t notice the buoy in the water was a crayon, or that the telescope was a chess pawn until I took the photo. That alone is the sheer fun of this book.)
Absolutely amazing–whole new levels of creativity. I love this book–and imagine my joy when I just now discovered there are sequels! Look-Alikes Jr. Look-Alikes Around the World. Look-Alikes Christmas.
I am completely enchanted.
Brought to you by:
Last Bobbin
Posted on August 27th, 2009
I took 20 minutes after supper and finished plying my last bobbin of MVFF cormo. (Last from the Spring 2008 share, that is.)
Of course, looking at the picture, I think it looks a trifle underplied, but that’s okay!
I did pretty well balancing my bobbins, too. This is how much cormo I had left when the first bobbin ran out. Not bad!
Naturally, Chappy was very impressed.
Next? Continuing the theme, here’s the Cormo I got from my FALL share. At least, I think it was Cormo. The bag the braid was in wasn’t labeled, but since the one that had the cormo/kid mohair blend WAS, I’m assuming this braid is it by process of elimination.
I’ve noticed, in the last couple of weeks, that the keyboard on my laptop feels … mushier. It’s never had quite the crisp feel I truly love in a keyboard, but suddenly, it’s less crisp still. So–even though I really have no place to put it–I ordered an external keyboard for it. A slim, Logitech diNovo keyboard that hopefully won’t take up too much room. I have doubts about the fact that if I use an external keyboard, my hands will be nowhere near the touchpad mouse which is going to make computing more difficult, but the deal was too good to pass up. A normally $90 keyboard on sale for $50, but with a $30 rebate available–so all that typing goodness for $20. (Although, hmm, it looks like the rebate might not be eligible after all, since the keyboard won’t arrive until after the deadline. Drat. But–still a good keyboard. Assuming the mouse-thing works okay.)
The fact that I’m trying to get RID of stuff is irrelevant, right?
It doesn’t help that I’m lusting after this nice, basic, 50mm lens (f/1.4) for my camera. Or even this one (f/1.8), though that one I’d have to manually focus. Heck, I’d like this 35mm, too. I keep hearing how amazing prime lenses are, what a joy they are to use, how much sharper the pictures are than with the kit lenses. And, darn it, I want to PLAY!
For that matter, knowing how drastically what spending money I have is about to be curtailed, I feel like going on a spending spree right now, no matter how modest. Right now, while there’s still time. The book-culling process … that painful, heartbreaking weeding out of books that I love … is making me want a Kindle more and more. I’ve been drooling over them at the same time I’m regretfully shaking my head over the price. I’ve been looking at the Apple iTouch, too, which can not only read Kindle books, but can, you know, play music and stuff too.
I can even almost justify the cost of this as a last-hurrah kind of thing because I’ve got about $150 of Amazon gift certificates saved up from a year’s worth of using my credit card … but I’d still feel guilty. (Though, I’m regretting that keyboard already, since I can’t get the rebate after all, and it’s already shipped, so there’s no going back.)
One recent expense I don’t regret?
I just renewed my domain name for AfterHappilyEver.com … the title of my unpublished book that I persist in having faith in. Maintaining the domain name is an act of faith. In fact, while I was renewing it last night, I bought AfterTitanic.com, too, for the exact same reason.
Here are some links for you (because I know how much you enjoy random links).
Ooh–this is very cool. A 1930 newsreel video of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan. Helen Keller is one of my heroes–have you ever read any of her work? Brilliant writer.
Or, how about this 1892 article (yes, it was contemporary for her) about Louisa May Alcott’s writing habits?
Did you know that Dean Koontz has a new book out? But, unlike his usual, this is not a horror story. No, this one is the sweet and lovable story of his dog, Trixie. (Check out this promotional video.) The title is A Big Little Life and it looks wonderful.
Do you ever take pictures of kids? (Or dogs?) Because these tips–and the accompanying, illustrative photos–are fantastic.
One more thing–I had fun setting up my Eye Candy Friday post for tomorrow. So CLEVER, even if I can’t take credit for the cleverness.
The Important Stuff
Posted on August 26th, 2009
I don’t want you to think that I’m not paying attention to the important stuff these days. I mean, other than that pesky detail of having a place to live.
See? Look at that sweater grow!
I’m just at the start of the armhole shaping on the two fronts. It’s hard to believe I started this less than two weeks ago.
I think the sleeves are going to take a little longer–they’ve got more surface area than the fronts do, but it’s possible this entire thing could be done in under a month. That’s practically a first.
Let’s see. What else? As a matter of faith, I just renewed the domain name for my unpublished book’s title. I still think it’s a GOOD book and I’ve been sending queries out, and darn it. I’m going to get it published some time, right?
I’m still trying to go through all my books, weed them out, but am stymied at the sheer physical difficulty of sorting 3000 books. It’s not like there’s room to make two piles of Keep and Don’t Keep. I really need about 6 empty bookcases–strictly temporary, you understand. Although I suppose I could split each bookcase into Keep and Don’t Keep, which would at least keep the sorting space under control.
Oh, and Chappy thanks you for the compliments yesterday. HE sure was adorable, huh? I mean, he’s STILL adorable, just not in that baby-puppy way. It’s hard to compete with that level of cuteness as an adult, yet he really does manage!
8 Years
Posted on August 25th, 2009
Eight years ago today, this little ball of (C)happiness drove into our lives.
(Okay, he didn’t actually drive. I took this picture at a rest stop on the 6 hour drive home–and you can see Mom in the back, ready to do the same thing!)
I can’t believe how little he used to be! And, honestly, I think he was the cutest puppy ever… but I might be biased.
Want to read more? Here’s the rest of the Anniversary Story.)
And, no, the house-hunting post is not a drill, it’s the real thing. And no, there’s no choice in the matter. And yes, we’re all kind of scared. Our realtor is supposed to be here any minute, in fact, to discuss options, so … wish us lots and lots of luck!
Now, I think I’m going to go pet the Anniversary Puppy … he always makes me smile!
Chuck Me Mondays 13
Posted on August 24th, 2009
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.13 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Marlin
The finale of Season 1 … Awesome asks Chuck to hide his grandmother’s diamond ring until he proposes to Ellie, but after Chuck stashes it in his BuyMore locker … the entire store gets robbed, leaving not only his sister’s future and his secret identity at risk.
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
Wanted: A New Home
Posted on August 22nd, 2009
Needed: A friendly, cozy home for a happy, cozy family.
For Us: Room for my parents, me, and my happy 8-year old dog. Three bedrooms (not too small) are a must because we need room for guests, computers, books, yarn, and photographs. Two bathrooms would be ideal, though we could settle for one and a half if we have to. Also a handy door for the dog’s bathroom, please. A small yard is fine because we spend most of our time inside–we want to spend our time with you, not out doing yardwork, though having a pleasant neighborhood to walk the dog is a huge plus. If you’re a townhouse, that’s fine with us. We want air conditioning, please, but we can bring our own washer, dryer, and dishwasher if we need to, so long as you have room for them.
For You: We are a happy family and almost never yell or argue, so we are very peaceful to live with. We don’t play loud music or have crazy parties, but we invite the rest of our family and friends over as often as possible–rarely more than four at a time. We don’t smoke; we rarely even burn things when we cook. And, about the cooking? How does fresh baking every weekend sound? Yummy-smelling pot roast and tomato sauce? Fresh bread? Cake? Your kitchen will love it. We use natural cleaning products, too, and except for hanging some pictures, we don’t do too much with tools, so your walls are safe. We’ll try to clean your windows at least once a year, and we’ve had over 30 years’ practice taking care of a house, so we have experience in what makes a deserving house a happy home. Most of all, we promise to provide a lot of laughter.
Qualifiers: If at all possible, you are already located in Denville–or at least are close enough to my office that I can still come home at lunch to play with my dog–and can keep the phone number I’ve had my entire life. But, any town that leaves me with no more than 15-20 minutes’ morning commute would be great! A monthly payment of not more than $1000-1300 is a must. (That’s a mortgage payment, there, not a rental payment.) We can’t bring a lot of money to this relationship, so we need you to be sound and ready for our commitment. We’re willing to invest in fresh paint to make you feel beautiful and new, though, because this is an exciting fresh start for all of us. You should know that we’re not collectively all that handy, though, so we’re hoping you won’t require any repairs any time soon.
Bonuses: Wooden floors are ideal, and sunny windows to keep things bright and cheerful are high on our list. (If you have stairs, though, my middle-aged dog really prefers them to be carpeted because the slippery wooden ones scare him, but we could get a runner if you don’t have one.) I would love a bright, roomy, welcoming kitchen because I love to cook. (Seriously, the better the kitchen the happier I’ll be.) A finished basement would be nice, but as long as it’s a dry one, finished isn’t necessary. A porch would be a great treat because, Mom and I both love porches and we’ve never had one. A shady deck or patio for a couple chairs is nice, but like I said, we don’t spend a lot of time outside.
What else? A two-car garage would be fantastic because we’re used to having one, but we mostly just need enough space for us and our stuff so that we don’t feel like we’re right on top of each other–because being cozy and close as a family doesn’t mean we don’t need our own space once in a while. At least one of us (cough) comes with a lot of books and yarn, so having room to store them where it’s dry and welcoming is important. We’re hoping for friendly, welcoming neighbors, and a nice view would be lovely, though we’d rather not have to deal with slippery hills in the winter. Especially the driveway–something flattish would be a huge plus.
In return? If you provide the place for us to put down new roots and make us feel welcome, we promise to stay and take care of you for as long as we can. This is a long-term committment, we’re looking for, not some fly-by-night affair. If you let us, we promise to love you just as much as you deserve.
(Do I expect to get everything on this list? On my salary? In Northern New Jersey? No. But inspired by this post, I figure, how can it hurt to put it out there, tell the Cosmos what I want, right? And, who knows, if we all think positively enough, anything can happen. So–send some positive thoughts our way, please. In this market? We need them!)
Actual Knitting
Posted on August 20th, 2009
Here’s something you haven’t seen here in a while … new yarn!
That’s 5 skeins of Peace Fleece (“Warm Wool from a Cold War”) sport weight yarn in “Sheplova Mushroom.” I bought it for that gorgeous, cabled sweater from the new Vogue Knitting (which I showed you here). Because, you see, first, I didn’t have any other sport weight yarn to knit it in and, second, I’ve wanted to try Peace Fleece for a long time.
I don’t want you to think that I’ve given up on my Gray Cardigan, though. See? The back is finished and the two fronts are started and moving along. And yes, I know, the fronts look incredibly tiny, but it’s ribbing–it’s not really THAT small! Besides, when’s the last time I knitted something that was too small? (grin)
In spinning? Look–this is my last bobbin of singles from my first share of Martha’s Vineyard Fiber Farm wool. You know from the Spring 2008 share. All I have to do is ply it and all of that first share will finally be spun. It only took me … how many months?
This corner seems to be one of Chappy’s new favorite spots. I sit on the floor at the computer, leaning against that ottoman, and lately, he’s snuggling up against the side of it. Especially if there’s thunder or something in the area. (Or maybe he’s just trying to check out the books waiting for me to review?). Or he’s trying to convince me to finish that quilt.
Let’s see, in other news? Another agent said no to my book (sigh). I’ve got a sty (sigh) on my eye. And, oh yeah, we need to start house-hunting. (Sigh.) On my salary. (Bigger Sigh.)
Random
Posted on August 19th, 2009
The really quick update? Finished the back of my sweater (which looks pretty much just like it did in the last photo), and started the two fronts which are now one inch long apiece. So–not exactly photogenic yet.
So … instead? I’ve got some links for you:
First up, a fantastic article from the NYT on the world’s women, and why it’s in everyone‘s best interest to save them, utilize them, free them and basically let them do the kinds of things that women do best.
Did you see this video from the Sock Summit? Stephanie the Yarn Harlot leads the masses in trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. I confess, I thought watching this would actually be a little dull, but it’s funny and exciting–even from 3,000 miles and two weeks away!
An old Top Ten List from David Letterman, with the help of Casey Kasem, the top ten favorite numbers … funny!
I know, I keep going on and on about how much I love the show Chuck. Well, even though they’re not slated to come back until March, they’re busily filming away at season 3 as we speak, and check out this pic that Ali Adler (one of the writers) tweeted yesterday, of Zach Levi between takes. Not only does it make my Chuck-starved heart happy, and it pleases me to see that the helmet-hair from last season appears to be gone, but he is just so pleasing to look at…
This made me laugh–This has got to be one of the most creative ways of preventing drivers from speeding through your neighborhood! (Well, technically illegal, but great way to think outside the box!)
One Week
Posted on August 17th, 2009
Yep. The Back is ready for the shoulder shaping.
Not bad for a sweater I just started a week ago!
Chuck Me Mondays 12
Posted on August 17th, 2009
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.12 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Undercover Lover
Finally, some of Casey’s history–when his long-lost girlfriend, who he thought was dead, comes back to town, Chuck gets a chance to show Casey how good a friend he can be. And, well, a dripping-wet Adam Baldwin (and Zachary Levi) climbing out of a pool in a tuxedo? Really, that’s something they shoulf do again and again.
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
Peaceful Sunday
Posted on August 16th, 2009
Ah, a nice, peaceful Sunday. Quiet. Pretty uneventful. Chappy got in some really good naps.
Mind you, he got a walk this morning, before it got too hot. And he helped clean a couple of cake plates, as well as sampling the pot roast to make sure it was okay. There was the whole barking thing at the neighbors who had the nerve to walk past his house, too. So it’s not like he spent the whole day sleeping.
But, since my sister’s family came to visit yesterday afternoon, he needed the extra sleep. He LOVES playing host to guests–and family is his favorite kind–but being sociable does tire him out. You understand, in a good way!
Hey, take a minute and head over to Knitting Scholar. I posted a list of all (?) the new and upcoming knitting books, and there are some really good ones coming up. Just, watch your wallets! (And, if you were to decide to buy any of those books, please do consider using my amazon.com links–I get a couple dollars’ commission for each purchase, and it’s much appreciated. You know, IF you are thinking of buying them anyway!)
Have YOU designed/knitted a great hat? Well, Annie Modesitt is looking for 1000 of them. If you haven’t submitted it (them) yet, you’ve still got time. She’s still shy of her goal and so has extended the deadline. But, knitters, she needs your help!
Did you know the new Twist Collective is up? Check out this great story about a hitherto unknown Elizabeth Zimmermann cardigan. It’s not only a fantastic story, but it’s a beautiful sweater, too. Now, of course, I want the pattern!
Hey, a friend from Portland sent me this article from her local paper about the Sock Summit last weekend. I’ve read about it online, now I can read it in hardcopy, too. Thanks, Carolyn!
Oh, and you know that novel I’ve been stuck on for years? The one that was stuck at about 50,000 words for about six years because I couldn’t get past one, crucial historical detail/plot point? Well, the good news is that it’s now at 61,762 words … a great improvement!
Here’s a very cool stop-action video. I swear, I feel this way sometimes when I try to sit at the computer and WORK, too.
Did you see this story about a pilot who just happened to crash his plane in the ocean near a boat of long-distance rowers? What are the odds? Lucky!
And, I still love this surprise squirrel photo.
Gray
Posted on August 14th, 2009
Here’s the beginning of my Gray Cardigan.
I know, it’s hard to tell much from this picture at all. The color is off, first of all. The yarn is really a charcoal gray with a hint of blue to it. It’s Jo Sharp DK Wool in color “Ink.”
And, while that looks like a swatch, it’s really a skein’s worth of yarn, is about 7″ long, and constitutes about 1/3 of the back of my sweater.
Got to love projects that go quickly.
Titanic
Posted on August 14th, 2009
There’s nothing handier for getting a feel for an event (other than being there) than by reading the news reports.
A book filled with contemporary news reports of the Titanic’s sinking.
Including editorial cartoons.
But the best part?
The ads!
Sometimes, research is so much fun.
Brought to you by:
Maple
Posted on August 13th, 2009
Looking quite autumnal, with the green lace draped over an orange blanket… my Maplewing.
I’m not going to write much tonight because my eyes are stingingly tired, but I wanted to show you my unpinned shawl. (Or, the little bit of it I was able to photograph, anyway.)
(And, anyway, I’ve got a plot idea bubbling away for my has-been-stuck-for-years novel and would rather use whatever computer time my eyes will allow tonight working on that. You understand.)
I do have one great link for you–check out this fantastic photo, of a squirrel saying “Cheese!” while two people laugh in the background. Love that!
Maplewing Pinned
Posted on August 11th, 2009
I found just enough floorspace in the guest room to block my shawl. (Chappy wanted to help, I want you to know, but I didn’t want him stepping on the pins.)
This is not my best blocking job. I pulled out my wires but was having such a hard time seeing the pattern of the lace, I couldn’t quite figure out where to put them. (Yes, I know. Pathetic.)
This will have to do, though. I only pinned the shawl out at the end of each scallop at the bottom, and that only because it insisted on curling. I didn’t get them pinned as well as they deserved, either, but … green shawl on green carpet. I truly could not see the pattern well enough to figure out where the pins should go. So I guessed!
Oh, and in response to comment yesterday about how a shawl can’t be too big. I refer you to this post about my Peacock shawl. The one I’ve since given away because it was just too big for me to wear without tripping on it!
Now. Do you realize? This means my shawl is finished! Which means I can go on to my next project. (Not forgetting the blanket for Chappy, of course.)
First option? The Gray Cardigan from Mother-Daughter Knits. The pattern that made me buy the book. I know, of course, that I will have gauge issues (don’t I always have gauge issues), but I still love the pattern.
But, then, there’s sweater #4 from the new Vogue Knitting. It’s been a while since I fell in love with a VK pattern, but … look at this! (And, three cheers for this 3-D turn-the-model-around video clip that they do with their patterns these days. I missed all the fabulous details of this sweater when I saw it in the magazine. But, oh, isn’t it pretty?
The drawback? I’d have to buy yarn to make it, since I don’t have enough DK wool in my stash … which is ironic because DK is my favorite weight yarn for sweaters. Though, I DO have Silky Wool, which I love working with, but that’s a very tricky yarn for me. Every sweater I’ve made with that yarn has come out radically too big, no matter how much gauge-swatching-math I do.
Of course, this could be my excuse to try Peace Fleece, which I’ve wanted to try forever. (They need more color options for their DK weight, though.) That comes out to $41.25 for the sweater, which is a pretty good deal, don’t you think?
Be at ease, though, I cast on for the Gray Cardigan last night.First, because I still love it, Second because I went to all the trouble of doing the gauge-math to try to match my funky gauge, and, Third because the first skein of yarn has been sitting on my dresser for over a month and it looked sad and pathetic. And who wants that?
I’m just so intrigued by this cabled sweater–the construction, the horizontal cables at the waist and the cuffs … interesting! The body is knit in one piece, too. Love the complex/intriguing aspects. Wonder if maybe moving the waistband cable up a bit (since I am waistline-challenged) wouldn’t be a good idea. Definitely want to give this a try…
Chappy Wanted to Help
Posted on August 10th, 2009
Chappy wanted to help show you my Maplewing shawl. I know, it’s still hard to see its true gorgeousness because it still looks more or less like a lacy blob, but … it’s done, except for the blocking.
Which is going to be more challenging than usual, since I usually the guest room for blocking and right now, we kind of don’t really have one. Or at least, it’s overtaken with stuff and doesn’t really have the floor space needed to pin this out.
I’m going to have to pin this very carefully, though, because it’s already huge. You KNOW about my crazy, loose gauge issues that, if anything, are getting worse. Well, thank heaven I knit the small size because it’s about 3 feet long in the back already. A strenuous blocking would make it really, really, really big for me!
Let’s have a hand for my able assistant!
Now, a few links for you:
Have you seen this very nifty video? A human chorus doing “Rain.” As in, they sound exactly like a rainstorm (and the thunder really deserves the cheers it gets from the audience).
Who else remembers the 80s? Check out this very funny, tongue-in-cheek music video. (The music style isn’t exactly my favorite, but it’s worth it for the funniness.)
Did you see my review of Ann Budd’s new book, Knitted Gifts? I loved this one!
Did you know there’s a new Beatles-inspired clothing line? I would have particularly adored this in high school, but still find them snazzy now.
How’s this for a cool USB computer gadget? I sure could use one next to my laptop!
Chuck Me Mondays-11
Posted on August 10th, 2009
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.11 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Crown Vic
Bryce has left town, and Sarah is in a baaaaad mood … but not as upset as Casey is going to be when he sees what happens to his prized Crown Victoria!
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
No Whey!
Posted on August 9th, 2009
It might not look like much, but that’s a Dixie cup of whey sitting on my very own kitchen counter. You know, whey. The stuff you can strain out of yogurt?
Or even homemade yogurt? Because yes, that’s yogurt I made all my very own self. (Well, the yogurt cultures helped.) I tried this the other day, you’ll remember, and ended up with nothing but sour milk. This time it was honest-to-goodness yogurt, so yay for me. I strained it, too, using a strainer and paper towel to get out some of the extra whey, to make it creamier. And it IS. That’s 1% milk, but it’s got that great, creamy texture of Greek yogurt so it tastes more fattening than it is.
I even ate some of it for lunch (and am now waiting to see how my lungs feel after eating all that creamy dairy goodness). The yogurt, I might add, was vanilla flavored. None of us is particularly fond of plain yogurt–though I’m happy to use it for baking–so when I mixed this batch yesterday, I added just a little sugar and vanilla. Just enough to sweeten the yogurt a BIT but not to make it actually sweet.
Oh, and the granola. I made more of that, too. I’ve adapted Susan‘s and my recipes to come up with a hybrid–I’m cooking the different types of ingredients separately, but am still using my crock pot. Actually, today, I used my crock pot and a skillet on the stove. For a cup or so of ingredients, they fit beautifully in a skillet and still cook faster than in a crock pot–and don’t need to be stirred on a cookie sheet in the oven (which makes a mess), or require the oven to be turned on at all.
My problem? We were a lot lower on honey and vegetable oil than I thought. So, by the time I’d finished the nuts, fruit, coconut, and sesame seeds sufficient for a BIG batch, I realized … I didn’t have enough honey and oil for the oatmeal portion that makes up the bulk of the granola. (And, for that matter, I don’t have a bowl big enough to stir all of this together, either.)
So, what did I do? This is where doing the separate ingredients on their own comes in really handy. I took half the nut/coconut/fruit mixture that was all ready to go, and put it into a bag. I’ll save it until the next time I need to make granola, at which point, all I’ll need to do is cook the oatmeal part and then just mix it in with this. In fact, I might do it this way all the time–the nut and fruit part is the smallest proportion of the finished granola, so cooking and blending it on its own is relatively simple, and relatively easy to store–since it doesn’t have nearly the bulk of the finished granola. It’s about 2 cups of fruit/nuts/etc to 5-6 cups of oatmeal. So, I can stash away these couple of cups of granola-blend and, when ready, cook and mix it with the next batch of 6 cups of oatmeal. Handy!
This is the other reason I’m happy that I do not make granola in the oven–my oven was busy!
That’s a loaf of Granola Bread (recipe from the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes book), a Blueberry Crisp (recipe from King Arthur Flour), and a Yogurt Cake (recipe from this site with European weight measurements, via this site which gives them in American cups)
Really, at this point, it’s kind of nice to be OUT of the kitchen!
I came so, so close to finishing my shawl last night. Or, well, I’m guessing there’s another half hour’s worth of work to do, but that’s so close, considering I started this in, what, May? (Yes, May 16th. Thank you Ravelry.)
My Day In Food
Posted on August 8th, 2009
Well, not my WHOLE day’s worth of food, but Mom and I made a point today of going to Short Hills Mall mostly so I could taste the Forty Carrots yogurt again. I mentioned this last week, when I told you about the frozen yogurt recipe I wanted to try.
I wanted to taste the original first, though, before trying my own.
And, it’s just as good as ever. I like mine with a little Melba sauce and granola. (And, the Melba sauce? I wish they sold this stuff because it’s fantastic raspberry sauce, and since Peach Melba is one of Dad’s favorite desserts, I’d love to have some.)
After we left the mall, we stopped at Whole Foods where I stocked up on more granola-making supplies, as well as some yogurt.
And, yes, I’m trying making my own again. It’s sitting in the thermos on the kitchen counter as we speak.
I also bought some salad greens for supper.
And some heirloom tomatoes. So far as I’m concerned, this is the perfect salad, right here. Nothing else necessary. (Well, some dressing.)
With the salad?
A plain omelet–which I shared with Chappy.
Now–I’ve got a bowl of bread dough rising on the counter, which I’ll bake tomorrow. And I’ll make some more granola tomorrow, too.
So, speaking about John Hughes, the man who made so many movies I enjoyed as a teenager? Check out this beautifully sweet tribute from a woman who became his penpal when she was a teenager and wrote an eloquent fan letter and began years’ worth of letters. SO touching. You really need to read it, whether you liked the man’s movies or not.
Shares
Posted on August 6th, 2009
One more bobbin of singles to spin, then one more skein to ply, and I’ll have spun all the yarn that came in my first MVFF share. You know, my two pounds of Cormo from the Spring 2008 Shearing. The one Mom, Chappy, and I went to the Vineyard to witness.
Half of my Cormo I gave to Jessica to dye for me, in the MVFF colors. It spun up into something between lace- and sport-weight yarn, and I’ve already turned some of it into the Fountain Pen Shawl, which I gave to my sister for her birthday in June.
Well, I finished my first skein in November, and now (I’ve lost track of the yardage), but I now have three complete skeins of natural Cormo, and, as I said, half of the last one is spun into singles. I just need to spin the last bobbin.
Isn’t that a pretty pile of yarn? And, let’s see, I signed up for my first share at the end of 2007. The shearing in April, the arrival of the wool, the excitement of having half of it dyed. The Winter Solstice party last December. Susan’s birthday surprise in April and this year’s Spring shearing. Not to mention the revelry on Ravelry, and the fun this Spring of the Lambcam. I had thought that a share seemed kind of expensive, but … I’ve got to say I think it’s more than worth the money. Just think of all the hours of spinning pleasure is in this pile! And that doesn’t even count the knitting part (or the Fall share, still in my closet).
So, thanks again, Susan for thinking of this whole fiber CSA thing!
On an unrelated note?
How sad that John Hughes died! The man behind Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off … I feel like my high school years just died. And … who else remembers the Brat Pack? Check out this New York Magazine article about the “cool kids” from way back when.
No Yogurt
Posted on August 5th, 2009
Well, I tried… All this chatter about homemade yogurt, you know. If nothing else, I know Chappy would like it (he gets some with every meal), so I gave it a shot yesterday. I heated up my milk to just under boiling to kill any nasty bacteria. Cooled it down to 125 degrees, stirred in some of Chappy’s Stonyfield Farms yogurt, poured it into a stainless steel thermos (which I’d scalded with boiling water), and let it sit on the counter for about 5 hours.
First, I must say, my thermos is very efficient. I put it in the refrigerator last night about 5:00, after a quick peek inside, and when I took it out today at lunchtime–almost 20 hours later–it was still warm inside.
Then … what did I HAVE inside? Sour milk. Not yogurt. Not particularly tart and runny yogurt. Not even cultured buttermilk.
Sour milk.
Yuck!
So, the next question … where did I go wrong? Was the milk too hot when I added the yogurt so that I killed the cultures I wanted to encourage? Was the container of commercial yogurt too old? (Its expiration date was 8/26.) What should I do differently next time I try?
What do you yogurt experts think happened? My guess is that I made it too hot. I think I need to treat the yogurt cultures as lovingly as I do the yeast when I bake, without over-worrying about sour milk.
Because, after all, look where that got me!
Have you heard of Freeride bicycling? It’s something my nephew is getting VERY excited about. Check out these videos. My God, even when I used to bicycle every day, I wouldn’t have been able to remotely begin to do this stuff (grin). I’m impressed!
Maplewing D
Posted on August 4th, 2009
And so we move onto Pattern Section D on my Maplewing Shawl. The rows are getting shorter, which is a plus. I’m getting awfully close to the end of my 3rd skein of yarn, though, so … it’s lucky I have a fourth tucked away in my stash! I’m pretty sure I’m going to need at least some of it.
Oh, and miraculously, this is pretty close to the actual color, for a wonder.
Hey, remember the ventriloquist who won “America’s Got Talent” a couple years ago? (A show, I assure you, that I don’t watch since I don’t “do” reality shows.) But I saw him on YouTube and was blown away–a ventriloquist that not only does impressions, but who can do impressions of SINGING? Super impressive. Well, he’s got a DVD of his Las Vegas show coming out. (And yes, I know, I groan at most ventriloquists, too, but every video clip I’ve seen of this guy, he’s entertaining and remarkably GOOD, so, you know.)
I wish I had more interesting things to tell you. Been going to work. Been writing book reviews. Been doing some freelancing. Been trying to get someone interested in my book.
Been nursing Chappy, not that he needs it any more. Except for a little bald spot–which may or may not be permanent–where his bug bite was, he’s back to his regular self. Phew!
Hey, have you ever tried the frozen yogurt from the Bloomingdales “Forty Carrots” shop? Or from that snazzy new place, “Pinkberrys”? They’re not the sweet frozen yogurt that’s been around for ages, but, instead, real, tangy frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt that tastes like, well, yogurt. Well, I found a recipe I want to try. The part I’m skeptical about? Every time I’ve ever tried frozen yogurt from anywhere OTHER than an actual soft-serve machine, it tastes too icy, not creamy. Still … it sounds tasty!
Chuck Me Mondays-10
Posted on August 3rd, 2009
Today’s mission, if you’re willing to accept it:
Watch episode 1.10 of CHUCK!
Chuck vs the Nemesis
Ah, one of my very favorite Chuck episodes ever. The return of his arch-nemesis, long-since thought dead, his former best friend, Bryce Larkin. This includes one of my favorite lines ever, too (Chuck’s response to “What are you thankful for” at Thanksgiving dinner. Not to mention … Pineapple! A practically perfect episode that I’ve watched way too many times (if such a thing is possible).
Since Chuck isn’t slated to come back for Season 3 until March, that gives just enough time for everyone to watch all 35 existing episodes, one week at a time, to be all set and ready for Season 3. If you don’t have (or can’t beg, borrow, steal, or rent) the Season 1 DVD, you can watch season 1 at the WB.com. And … not only should you watch … but if you Twitter, join in and tweet about it to all your friends.
Movie Knitting
Posted on August 1st, 2009
I laughed when I flipped the page on my 365-day Yarn Harlot calendar this morning…
Because today, for the first time in MONTHS, I went to the movies!
I made a point of having knitting with me, too. I started this sock two nights ago, just to get the toe done and ready for straight stockinette stitch up the foot. Do you see where the bottom edge of the movie ticket is? That’s where the sock was when we left the house. All the rest is knitting I did in the theater while watching the movie.
I finally stopped about 20 minutes before the end because (1) I figured I was right near the heel of the sock and (2) the size 0 metal needles were starting to hurt my fingers. And, hey, between the movie, the previews, and all the screen-filler they had before the lights dimmed, that was about three hours of knitting.
It was otherwise a pretty quiet day. Because of the movie, I didn’t make it to Kim’s parade to see the Squid Hat in person, but that’s okay. My niece is visiting and we all had a nice, quiet morning.
Well, okay, I ran out to get some oatmeal because I accidentally burned a batch of granola last night. (My own fault for forgetting to turn the heat on my crockpot down to low before leaving the room.) And while I was in the grocery store, I picked up some meat and tomatoes to make spaghetti and meatballs. I made the sauce around lunch time, so that it would be ready when we got home from the movie, around quarter to six. All we had to do was boil water for the pasta and it was ready to eat. (Planning ahead is good!)
And, tomorrow morning? Blueberry pancakes. I can’t wait. I love blueberry pancakes!
Books Read in July 2009
Posted on August 1st, 2009
Here are the books I read in July:
1. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (318 p) The first book of hers I ever read, about terrorists hijacking a dinner party and ending up trapped with their hostages for weeks, while little by little, they all start to mingle… Fabulous writing, abruptly sad ending.
2. Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley (472 p.) The bad part of this book? All the spinning references drive me nuts because I’m not sure the author really understood what a spindle WAS, so her descriptions of the spindle ends doesn’t really make sense. But, otherwise? Lovely retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story.
3. Chalice by Robin McKinley (263 p.) Unique little book, with Mirasol, a wood-keeper, trying to find her way as her country’s new “Chalice”–a position both ornamental and deeply-rooted–during a time of crisis. It’s a YA fantasy and in a totally new world.
4. Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith (214 p.)
5. Court Duel by Sherwood Smith (245 p.) A duo of YA fantasy that is mildly diverting at best. I kept wanting to shake the main character for being so darn dense and stupid, not to making massive mistakes just because she insisted on being dense and stupid. Grr.
6. Summers at Castle Auburn by Sharon Shinn (355 p.) Also a fantasy, about Corie, who spends each summer at the castle with her half-sister, and the rest of the year studying to be an herbwoman with her Grandmother. This wasn’t my favorite SS book the first time I read it, but I find it classically charming–it’s got all the classic elements of a good fantasy book–and it keeps pulling me back.
7. Solstice Wood by Patricia McKillip (278 p.) Modern day fantasy with one of those alternate “faerie” worlds shouldering up to ours, when the main character returns for her grandfather’s funeral. McKillip is always good, but the whole “faerie” kind of thing leaves me bored–it’s a rare, rare book about that alternate world that can interest me. (And the little bit that the Castle Auburn book touches on it is about as far as I care to go.)
8. Sword of Orion by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (276 p.) Sci-fi book by one of my favorite writing teams that has promise, except that it has a cliff-hanger ending and it doesn’t look like they’ll ever write the second book, so …
9. Nimisha’s Ship by Anne McCaffrey (355 p.) One of the rare misses for McCaffrey. Nimisha–a society girl by upbringing–designs spaceships instead, until one day, on a test run, her ship gets caught in a wormhole. Um, interesting moments, but not really my favorite. One reading every 10-15 years is plenty.
10. Notes from the Underwire by Quinn Cummings (254 p.) I’ve already told you about this one, and I even interviewed Quinn over at my writing blog. What are you waiting for? Go read this funny book already!
11. Stardust by Neil Gaiman (336 p.) I read this just to get it off my TBR pile and (yawn), now I understand why it remained unread for so long. (See note above about not liking alternate-world Fairy Tales.)
12. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte (316 p.) Ditto about the TBR pile, but a yawner for an entirely different reason. By page 100 I wanted to slap every single person in the book, including the narrator, and so I gave up on the rest of it.
13. Bucking the Sun by Ivan Doig (409 p.) One of those family epics, taking place in the 1930s on one of the New Deal’s dam-building projects. Doig is a great writer and this was a good book, but still, family-epics that stretch over years aren’t usually my favorites (Dorothy Dunnett notwithstanding), and the “frame” of the story, of most of it being told in a flashback after two naked bodies were found in a submerged truck, frustrated me. I don’t mind the flashback conceit, but hiding the identity of the two people seemed excessive–like he was trying to keep up the tension about “who was it?” through the entire book, but the flashback chapters were so long (like, 90% of the book), they kept pulling attention away from that, so why not just say who the people were up front?
14. Eventide by Kent Haruf (306 p.) The main reason this stayed unread for so long? The fact that he leaves out all the quotation marks around his dialogue drives me nuts. But, still, Plainsong was so charming … I didn’t much like the sequel, though. Too much abuse, too much violence, too much sadness. Not what I needed this month.
15. What If 2 by Robert Cowley (427 p.) One of my favorite kinds of history book–it tells what really happened, but then asks, but what if, and briefly explores why that one person, or that one telegram affected millions of lives… Each chapter is written by a different historian, and some were better or more entertaining than others, but the book as a whole was intriguing.
16. Deep Secret by Diana Wynne Jones (375 p.) What if there were magicians in the world, trying to keep things moving in the right direction? And what if one were to die from old age, leaving his young protoge to pick a successor? And what if that happens just as the empire a couple worlds over fell apart and he had to find its missing heir at the same time? And what if it all got resolved at a fantasy-lover’s convention? Yep. Fun!
17. Chuck Comic by Peter Johnson et al. Graphic novel/comic book based on the TV show Chuck–of course!
18. Merlin Conspiracy by Diana Wynne Jones (468 p.) What if there were an alternate universe where there was magic and the king of England travelled all the time and was under attack by a false Merlin (a high governmental post)? And what if Nick Mallory from Deep Secret got involved?
19. Dark Lord of Derkholm by Diana Wynne Jones (345 p.) Now, imagine another universe alongside ours where magic is real, as are griffins. Now imagine (it shouldn’t be hard) that some entrepreneur from our world took over that entire world and turned it into basically an entertainment park, complete with Tours (guided by real wizards)? Then suppose that that world is tired of being treated as if it weren’t real and wanted to figure out a way out of its contract. Fun and mayhem ensue. Delightful book.
20. Year of the Griffin by Diana Wynne Jones (267 p) Sequel to Dark Lord, taking place 8 years later when Derk’s griffin daughter Elda heads off to University to become a wizard in her own right. Also fun and entertaining.
21. To Lie with Lions by Dorothy Dunnett (626 p.) Book 6 in the House of Niccolo Series, where Nicholas finally finds his son and escalates his competition with Gelis into a full-blown war. (And, can I tell you how much I hate how Gelis stomps on just about every good and wonderful moment in his life? No wonder he fights back so viciously.)
22. Silence & Shadows by James Long (407 p.) An ex-rock star, trying to forget his own past, gets named as director at an archaoeological dig, where they make a truly amazing find.
23. Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead (486 p.) First book in Lawhead’s King Arthur series, starting with the story of Charis, who lives in Atlantis before it disappears, and Taliesin, the greatest bard.
24. Socks from the Toe-Up by Wendy Johnson (Reviewed here.)
25. Arctic Lace by Donna Druchunas (Reviewed here)
26. Classic Knits by Marianne Isager (Reviewed here)
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