A visit from my friend

(with her uncanny knack for finding four leaf clovers)

 was just what I needed.

Our rambling walks brought us through all the quiet, secret places of the monastery.

 We went exploring, and even climbed, against all odds, to the cross that marks the highest point of the monastery grounds.

Just as the thunder began rolling in.

Yarn Along!

I've been devouring Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.  I listen to the books on cd throughout the day, then read from the volumes before going to sleep.

At the moment, I'm on the fifth volume, The Full Cupboard of Life and knitting a soaker (diaper cover).

Join our yarn along at Small Things!

Millions of Peaches

Lovely Locks

http://www.locksoflove.org/

Reader Peter

His first Epistle as a reader.

dikiri trikiri: the twined candles a bishop holds (and my new favorite phrase...)

This little church will always be home.

tying the knot

My college roommate just married the guy who lived next door to us sophomore year.  They are perfect for each other in every way.  I feel so honored to have witnessed their love grow through the years.  I know I'll continue to see it flourish.

Medea

When you live in the country amongst cows, you don't expect a phone call from a friend asking if you'd like to go to the opera in half an hour.   That means that when it happens, it's all the more thrilling.

leftovers

I just thought of an amazing way to use up leftover chili.  This is based on a family recipe for chili dip that is a staple at all family gatherings.  I've just veganized it, so to speak.  Instead of delicious cheese, I sprinkled corn on top. 

CHILI REVIVAL

1 pkg softened Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese

2 cups (or so) of vegan chili

1 c cooked corn (I used 2 ears of steamed corn.  It was AMAZING.)

Preheat the oven to 350˚.  Spread the softened Better than Cream Cheese in a square glass baking dish.  Pour the chili in and smooth it with a spatula.  Sprinkle the corn on top.  Bake for about 20 minutes.

We filled tortillas with it, topped with guacamole, salsa, and lettuce.  It's also good as a dip.

 NOM NOM NOM.

finished?

handsewn Alabama Studio Style Tank Top

 I wore it this morning, then, suddenly inspired, pulled it off and began embellishing. 

Handsewing is such fun, I hope I never quite finish.

pancakes!

These Easy Weekend Pancakes from veganyumyum are quite possibly the best lenten pancakes we have ever tried.  We added fresh blueberries after pouring the batter out onto the pan.  

 The recipe provides directions for keeping them warm in the oven, but I've discovered that they are infinitely better straight from the skillet, piping hot.

curtains

 I dragged out the sewing machine the other day and I whipped these up in no time at all. 

Pete says they remind him of the fog of San Francisco that always clung to his windows when he was growing up.

 

It's like having wisps of smoke hanging from our curtain rods.

Further Research: Men Knit!

Kenneth knits a bikini for his grandma in 30 Rock.

Jim knits lace in Flight of the Conchords.

Have you sighted any guys knitting?

No Chicken Noodle Soup

The jar of Better than Bouillon No Chicken Base I bought at my sister Emily's recommendation has already proven invaluable.

I was all set to improvise a lenten noodle soup with it, only to discover the recipe on the label.

I didn't follow it exactly, but it turned out to be absolutely delicious.  Here's my version.

NO CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

makes about 10 servings

8 c boiling water combined with 3 T No Chicken Base

2 carrots, chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 c frozen peas

1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed (I promise it's good.  Just give it a chance.)

about 3 c dry no-yolk ribbon noodles

generous shake of dried parsley

salt and pepper to taste

Combine stock, carrot, and celery in large pot and simmer until vegetables are soft.  Add peas, noodles, tofu, and seasoning.  Cook until noodles are soft (about 10 mins).  Serve & enjoy!

Research

Whenever I watch a movie, I try to have my knitting in my hands.  It makes me feel productive even when I'm watching something trashy.  Whenever anyone (i.e. my husband) catches me watching something I'm mildly ashamed of, I justify it by saying I'm doing research.

Take Grey's Anatomy.  It takes some courage to admit that I just spent the past couple of months watching every episode of that abominable show.  But it was all in the name of research!  What was I researching?  Um...knitting, of course!

In one episode, when love doesn't go her way, Meredith swears off men and takes up knitting. Observe:

Stupid Grey's Anatomy.  Knitting ≠ celibacy!  Well, it did for the first 23 years of my life, but now things have changed.  I assure you that sex and yarn can peacefully coexist.

  

 Alex:  You knitting like some Jane Austen prune because you screwed Bambi and you have a hidden sister?

Ooh, knitting and scrabble.  Great combo.

But Izzy--you knit the guy you like a sweater in a day?  And wore it for 3 hours?  Yeah-freaking-right.  Oh, and ever hear of the sweater curse?  If you knit a guy a sweater, you two will break up.  That's why Pete still doesn't have a sweater from me.  I was waiting until we got married.  You can't be too careful.  No wonder Denny died!  Oops, spoilers.

Expect more trashy knitting research soon!

dinner & a movie

Cool Hand Luke, cornbread, and smokey-sweet baked beans.  Chain gang fair.

If we weren't fasting, I'd have boiled 50 eggs to go with it.