Unraveled Wednesday 11/20/24

 Good Morning Friends,

It was actually raining last night when I went to bed around 10:30!  I don't think we got a whole lot of rain, but any moisture is welcome.

I'm happy to FINALLY have an answer as to why I have not felt all that well for a number of weeks and why I am tired ALL the time and haven't felt like knitting or stitching and even reading has been a chore at times.  Not fun.  Well, turns out after several cultures, etc., I tested positive for C-Diff!  YUCK.  I am now on a very strong/powerful (and quite expensive) drug that will hopefully correct my problem.  I have not been able to get out and walk for several weeks and I am definitely looking forward to doing that again.  But, slow and easy.  I only started the med yesterday afternoon and will be on it for 2 weeks.  Already though I am feeling better (sometimes just knowing what's wrong can make a huge difference too).

That may be a little TMI for you, and if so, I apologize.  Now we are at Wednesday and it is time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to talk making and reading.  My making has been slow, but there is progress on the latest sock.  I am through the heel flap and ready to turn the heel (so magical!).

Hopefully the balance of this sock will move along and sock #2 will be started.  These will be for Colin and I'd like to have them done by his birthday (12/11).

Reading has been a bit slow too (hard to stay awake at times).  I did finish Sandwich but it never got better for me. I just didn't like it and I didn't care for the writing.  I am now mid-way through Finding Margaret Fuller and am finding it wonderful!  I had never heard of Margaret Fuller, but she was a real person and this is a novel based on her life.  She "hung out" (I can't think of another way to put it) with the Trancendentalists - Thoreau, Emerson, Bronson Alcott as well as Melville, Hawthorne and others.  I'm excited to get to the point where she travels to Europe.

And that's a wrap for me.  The only thing I have on my docket today is laundry which should not take too long.  It's kind of grey outside, so it will be a good day to curl up with some knitting, stitching and reading!  Hope your Wednesday brings you joy.

Tiny Needle Tuesday 11/19/24

 Good Morning!

It is still a little dark here, but the sun is starting to come up.  It's also a little chillier this morning than yesterday or over the weekend.  Did anyone else watch Part 1 of the DaVinci piece pulled together by Ken Burns?  What a mind!!  We'll see Part 2 tonight.  

It's Tuesday, so time for a TNT update.  I'm pleased that the door is now the correct width on the house.  There is still a bit to do at the top of the door (more dark color), but the width is now right.  Whew!

There is STILL so much to stitch on this piece.  I'm hoping that I will finish this before the end of the year, but all bets are off.

A week ago I showed one of my Christmas Cacti with numerous buds.  Well...some of them have now opened.

And, we counted at least 19 more buds!  My other two plants are sporting buds as well, but they are not as numerous or as far along.  So pretty!

We have a (shelled) peanut feeder hanging from the edge of our patio roof.  The birds all love to come and dine - sometimes even while we sit on the patio.  I decided to get some peanuts in the shell to put out for the Jays and crows (and the squirrels).  Guess what?  We discovered that deer love peanuts in the shell as well.  Here is the scene from yesterday afternoon.  Snack time!

Mabel and the deer are friends - the deer don't run off when I open the door to let Mabel in or out and they will approach each other (cautiously).  The deer have also become accustomed to Fletch and me.  I know they can be destructive, but I do love having them around.  (I also discovered they like roasted almonds!!  I had a bag of roasted almonds that just were not very good, so I put them out thinking the squirrels would like them...the deer chowed down before the squirrels had a chance!)

I need to remember to go out and harvest some of the French Thyme from our garden.  The other night I used the last of the garden peppers in our dinner and we had the last garden tomatoes at lunch one day.  Fletch said the Swiss Chard in the cold frame is doing well and some of the lettuce (some of the lettuce plants were hit hard by the cold weather a few weeks ago).  I'm thinking a quiche with some chard might make a nice dinner one night!

Here's hoping your week is off to a wonderful start.  Have some fun!

Anyone for Dessert?

 Good Morning!

A quick Thursday morning post just to say I made a new dessert yesterday and it was good!  So I thought I would share it with you.

I found the recipe on a vegan site on IG that I sometimes look at.  I only copied out the ingredients and instructions, but no name.  I'm calling them Oatmeal-Pumpkin-Peanut Butter Bars.  Here's the deal:

Mix together:

• 2 Cups rolled oats
• 1/2 Cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 Cup milk
• 1/4 Cup peanut or almond butter (I used peanut butter)
• 1/4 Cup honey or maple syrup (I used maple syrup)
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all of the above together and press it firmly into a baking dish.  I just lined an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.  Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.  Let it cool.

Once cool, melt 1/3 Cup of chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil.  (Just melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals till melted and smooth.). Spread this over the cooled bars.  Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate sets.  Cut into bars.

Some notes:  

• I tasted more peanut butter than pumpkin - I may try increasing the pumpkin puree and decreasing the peanut butter next time.
• I don't keep pumpkin pie spice on hand, so since the recipe already calls for cinnamon, I just sprinkled in some nutmeg and some ginger.
• I would increase the melted chocolate.  I had a difficult time covering the entire pan with the melted chocolate.  And honestly, there is nothing wrong with more chocolate!  LOL
• Fletch and I both thought they would be a little firmer or crunchy, but they are moist and still very tasty.

I hope you enjoy if you make them.  They were quick and easy to make, that's for sure.

Unraveled Wednesday 11/13/24

 Good Chilly Morning!

Yup - 25 degrees here this morning.  It is chilly!  I turned the kitchen heat on early (5:30) when I let Mabel outside, just to get the downstairs a bit warmer.  It was tough to get out from under the covers this morning...I just wanted to burrow down further.  But, eventually I did decide to get up and put the coffee on.  Now my first cup has been poured and I feel like I can type out a few words.

It's Wednesday which means it is time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers to chat about making and reading.  After finishing Fletch's Tapped Maple socks I did not pick up any knitting needles for a week!  I just wasn't interested or inspired or whatever.  Finally though I looked through my stash and wound up a skein of handspun from Sarah.  Thanks again Sarah for this beautiful yarn!

My picture did not capture the colors very well, but the yarn is gorgeous.  It is 100% wool and I did start to knit a sock for Colin, but it just didn't feel right. I think I need the nylon when making socks.  So...I am thinking about using this gorgeous yarn to make a Musselburgh!  I have yet to knit one and I know the start can be rather fiddly, but I've done that start before (when I made my felted bag)...took me several tries, but I did get it.

Meanwhile, I did pull out a skein of Regia to make socks for Colin.  I always give him socks for his birthday or Christmas, so I thought I'd best get moving on the process.

Just plain vanilla - something that will go quickly so as to be finished in time.

Onto the books!  I finished Brooklyn and enjoyed it a lot.  I'll definitely look for "Long Island" (the sequel) but will take a break first.  I still kept thinking of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" while reading this.

Next up, I had been in the queue for quite some time for Sandwich and was excited when it became available just as I was finishing Brooklyn.  Well, count me under-whelmed.  I've read about half of it and I can't say that I really am liking the book.  For me, the writing is too gimmicky (I can't think of another word to use) and so far I am finding the story to be tedious and not very interesting.  I'll finish it (it's not a very long book), but I sure am disappointed in it.

Fletch and I are continuing to listen in bits to "The Mind of the Raven" by Bernd Heinrich.  There is a lot of humor in this book even though listening to it at times feels like being in a college lecture.

So tell me, what have you been making and reading this past week?

Tiny Needle Tuesday 11/12/24

 Good Morning!

Hope everyone is doing well.  I've been battling some kind of a stomach bug.  Thankfully I have an appointment with my doctor this afternoon...hoping to get something/anything to clear up this mess.

And...drumroll...we had some rain Sunday night.  Not a lot (nothing measurable in the rain gauge), but we actually had moisture!  I honestly can't remember when we last had any rain - it's got to be over a month.

And now it's Tuesday and time for a Tiny Needle update.  Initially I wasn't going to bother to post...not much has happened, except I learned that I can't count.

The right side of the house has been completed and I started across the bottom of the house to the front door.  I was outlining the door in preparation for filling it in when I realized my outline was way too narrow...yup, about 7 stitches short.  So, I ripped out that second side of the door and partway across the bottom and I have not picked it up since!

In some positive news, my Christmas cacti are budded!!  I have three.  The largest (and oldest) is from the giant plant my Grandmother had in Vermont.  My offshoot has one or two buds just barely forming.  My other two plants are from Peggy in Virginia.  One of them has several buds and is showing a bit of color.  The other one though - WOW!  Over a dozen buds with many showing color.

Time for me to get moving.  I need/want to clean out the frig before we go grocery shopping a little later.  I hope everyone is having a good week.

Friday, At Last 11/8/24

 Good Morning All,

It's (finally) a bit chillier this morning (low 40's) which feels more appropriate.  I think it will be a sunny day, but it's a little hard to tell right now.  I've been encouraged to wake to very cloudy and overcast skies, but so far, no rain.

And my it has been a long week hasn't it?  I've just wanted to sleep a lot.  And I have napped each day which has been a wonderful escape.  Yesterday morning I decided to bake something.  Fletch had seen a recipe in a magazine for a baked apple bread so I set out to make that.  I was surprised that it called for not peeling the apples.  There are chunks throughout the bread and also slivers of apple all along the top.

Really it was just ok.  Not great.  We both found it drier than expected.  I found the flavor to be a bit bland (despite cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom).  I also think the apple slices on the top are not necessary - with plenty of apples in the batter, no need to put more on top.  Bottom line?  I will not save the recipe.  BUT, it was fun to bake and nice to have something different.  We took half of it over to C&M's last night.

C&M are doing well.  We did not see Mailing - she was at a work dinner.  Next week is her last week in the office - she will be working from home after that.  Things are coming together - they received their first order from Dyper (the diaper service they are using); the crib has been set up, the dresser/changing table is in place and all is really ready for the big arrival!!  They have a futon in the room that is the nursery and Talbot was happily sitting on top next to a giant stuffed lion:

Talbot seems to have adjusted well to life without Marcel.  I'm glad of that.

The framed piece on the wall is a cross stitched piece that was made by one of my sister-in-laws for Colin when he was born.  Fun to see it up on a wall again.

No plans (so far) for today.  I still feel pretty worn out from the week, so taking it easy will be a priority.  Wishing everyone a wonderful, easy weekend - enjoy!

Unraveled Wednesday 11/6/24

 Good Morning!

Despite Fletch having CNN on last night, I have not watched any of the returns.  Head in the sand and all that (don't judge - there is comfort in that).  When I went to bed (early - like 10 p.m.) Fletch said that things were looking good.  When he came up to bed around 1 a.m. he said things do not look good.  Count me as being a bit dumfounded this a.m. and I sure as hell hope I am wrong.  Enough.  

It's Wednesday, so time to link up with Kat and her Merry Band of Unravelers.  I don't have a whole lot to show or talk about BUT...my Tapped Maple Socks are finished.  Woo-Hoo.

I finished the second one on Sunday and they are now tucked away in Fletcher's sock drawer.  I have not picked up a needle since then (knitting OR stitching!).  Life has been busy.  Or I have been scattered.  Or something.I have things to work on - my Semplice Shawl and my Hitch on the Move are just two of them.  I had also chosen yarn and put it in a project bag with the needles to make a Baby Vertebrae, but that has not been started.  And, for once, I don't feel like making socks!  What is up with me???  This could all change in an hour or two, time will tell.

As for reading, Fletch and I are continuing to listen to "The Mind of the Raven" by Bernd Heinrich.  It's good, though at times it sounds like a lecture rather than a book.  I did finish "You are Here" by David Nicholls and enjoyed it very much.  It's a charming and funny love story.  Now I have started Brooklyn and am enjoying it a lot.  I'm roughly a third of the way through it and already know I will be requesting "Long Island" which is the sequel.  As I'm reading, I keep remembering reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" and how much I loved that book.

Well, time for me to get moving.  I have an appointment at 9 with the audiologist (just a follow up where I will most likely be scolded for not wearing my hearing aids on a regular basis).  I need to dry my hair and put something in my stomach.

Take it easy today and be gentle with yourself and others.  We will get through this.

Tiny Needle Tuesday 11/5/24

 Good Morning!

It's Election Day!!  I'm preaching to the choir, but if you have not yet voted, please do so.

It's also Tuesday which means time for a Tiny Needle update.  I thought I stitched a lot during the past week (and, maybe I did), but the picture doesn't lead me to think that way.  Yes, the house has grown a bit and there is now the beginning of a tree to the right.

I will admit to the house being a bit boring to stitch, but it's good to have that as an option when I am tired.  One of my favorite parts of this sampler has yet to appear.  It's a big ol moon above the new tree.  Bonus:  black birds in flight against the moon.  I may need to start that part this week.

It has been warming up here again.  Yesterday when I let Mabel out at 5:30 a.m. the temp was 28.  This morning when I let her out at 5:30 it was 46!  Our roller coaster weather continues.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Tuesday!

Weekending

 Good Morning!

Whew!  I slept over 9 hours last night (and around 10 on Saturday night)!!  I'm still in the waking up phase, but it felt so good to sleep in.  I must have needed it.  It's a chilly morning here, but the sun is out and I have some laundry in the machine - will hang it to dry on the lines.

Colin & Mailing were over for dinner on Saturday and it was great to see them.  The baby is only a month away!!  I keep wondering what we can get them (they keep buying everything they need/want themselves) or getting stuff from friends.  I finally asked Saturday night and Mailing said the best thing would be meals that we could bring over for them to have after the baby is born.  Easy enough since I love to cook.  I'm already dreaming up stews, soups and various dishes I can make and take to them.  As they said, they do not really need "stuff" and their house is small - they don't want to overload it with baby things.

Yesterday I made a new-to-us vegetarian dish that was so yummy!  It is Lemony White Bean Pasta With Sun Dried Tomatoes and Walnuts.  Here is a link:  https://www.lastingredient.com/pasta-baby-greens-beans-walnuts/

My friend Leslie had sent me sun dried tomatoes from Italy that were amazing!  Different (and so much better) than anything you can get here in the States.  I used both baby spinach and baby arugula and did not put the cheese in it (of course I didn't).  Fletch sprinkled his with parm, but said it didn't really need it.  We both agreed that no harm would be done by adding a bit of cooked bacon or crumbled sausage.  LOL. Anyway, definitely a keeper and one I will make again.

Today I've got things to take care of - received a doctors bill for a co-pay that I already paid when I had my visit (back in July), so I need to follow up with them.  I'm reviewing Medicare Advantage options this afternoon (I really dislike that this needs to be done each year).  And, I'm hoping that a couple of books will come in for me at our library - I had started a Barbara Pym novel from my own bookcase, but am having a bit of a struggle got get into it.  And, of course, I'm hoping for some "making" time (stitching and knitting).  Anything to keep myself occupied if you know what I mean (and I know you all do).

Take care my friends and be gentle with yourself.  Have a very good Monday.

A BIG Tree! 11/1/24

 Good Morning!

And Happy November!  There is a rosy tint to the sky this morning and...drumroll...our cars are wet and there is rain on our windows!!  Woo-Hoo!  No measurable amount, and nothing falling right now, but it was wonderful to see.

Can anyone guess how many trick or treaters we had?  Exactly None!  Happy I didn't go overboard on buying candy.

Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day.  I set out a little before 10 a.m. and went to a section of the Perkiomen Trail that I had not walked previously.  I parked off Route 113 and then walked toward Schwenksville.  Very soon I came upon a magnificent tree:

A swamp White Oak which I have never heard of.  The tree's diameter was measured at just over 5.5' in 2021!

The trail itself was rather nice, though it veered away from the water and closer to the road than I like.  There were a lot of folks out walking and biking, but it did not feel crowded.  A little bit after the tree I came upon some small railroad tracks:

Turns out it is the track of a "live steam" rail.  Their "run days" are only the 4th Sunday of June, July and August from 10-3.  Might be fun to check it out next summer.

This was the first time I had managed to get out to walk in quite a long time.  I managed to go a little over a mile and by the time I got back to my car my back was screaming...I need to build my strength back up.

Today I need to tackle laundry, the kitchen floor and the bathrooms.  Not as pleasant a day as yesterday for sure, but needed.  Here's hoping that your Friday...and your weekend...are filled with good things.  Enjoy!