Busy knitting! Be here soon.

This is my new mug. Red,isn't it? I have been eyeing it for sometime at Starbucks but like to buy mine on sale. I take the chance that they will sell out but the majority of the time I mange to snag one. I found this one in a clearance bin at my local Kroger store!?! There is a Starbucks inside but I don't get drinks there as the employees are not baristas but Kroger employees that now pull shots. And, I might add, quite unpleasant people at that. They wouldn't speak to you when they were working outside the kiosk so why would I have them make my drink? Not. Which is unfortunate since said store is located directly across the street from me. So I would drive 5 minutes to the Starbucks that I have frequented since they built it. Years ago. But the sad news is that in their infinite "wisdom" the powers that be decided to close that store. But it's Starbucks so they are practically on every corner anyway.My stash of Noro for the Grinda scarf that I am going to knit again. The first one I knit in Lion Brand Suede and I knew better than to use it but it was the only yarn in the same weight that I had handy. Well, just like chenille it worms and loops as it sits.

So the Iro it is. It is a nice textured yarn that should hold up well in the sculptured scarf. Considering that's what it called for. The Opal is some sock yarn that was in the same order. I got them from www.LittleKnits.com and just love to order from them. Such great sales! And good service and selection as well. Go browse.


Been cooking every day. Trying to do some different recipes from my collection of cookbooks. Branching out to a bit more difficult recipes rather than just the easy ones I am drawn to. The sandwich is seitan "chicken-style" spread (from The Urban Vegan) on homemade (why yes, I did make it myself) onion caraway dill bread with argula and tomatoes with a wheatberry citrus salad on the side. Delicious!

Yesterday I made a dish from Vegan Yum Yum which was Soy-mirin glazed tofu with snow peas and peanut sauce drizzled over the top and served on rice and it was indescribable. So good. The glaze was sweet yet tangy and the peanut butter picked up the taste of the peas and carrots . I practically licked the plate I enjoyed it so much.

Today I threw together some pesto made with arugula and pecans and some lovely fresh basil (does anything smell and taste better than fresh basil? I don't think so) and froze it. The arugula gives it a tangy fresh taste that is totally different from regular pesto. I use it in savory muffins, on top of pasta and it's surprisingly good just on top of a baked potato. Good for me!

Oh well, it's rainy and gloomy and chilly so a good day to stay in and knit. I have to finish a pair of socks that were promised so off I go to knit!

Springtime mug! I really like this mug. It's so pretty and pastel. Makes me smile just drinking out of it.Here is what I've been knitting lately. I just finished this one, which is the first and did the embroidery the other night. I love the colors.
Here it is before the embroidery. Nice,but the extra touches really make it pop. I am making a pair of socks next that should be really colorful.

Got a bread machine yesterday and spent the majority of the day ....you guessed it,making bread. This is a loaf of oatmeal date. I also made a sweet fruit loaf, an onion soup mix loaf (that one is VERY good) and a rye beer bread. Amanda has a friend in town and half of each goes to her house so they can all enjoy some fresh bread. To me there is nothing that smells better than bread baking. Just fills the house and I practically sit with my nose on the machine waiting for the bread to be done! Although, I have had enough slices to last for several days. Because you have to try a slice of each one as it comes out, right? I don't want to send it to someone and have it not be good. It's only the polite thing to do. Sure, that's what I'll keep telling myself. And you be quiet! Teehee.

I spoke too soon. The weather is dismal. Rain since last night and chilly. Everything is just sodden and damp and I'm very glad to be indoors.

Here is today's mug. I thought it was rather spring-like so used it to cheer up the day. It's filled with a delicious cup of Berryblossom White from Tazo that is quite good. A nice, light tea.

I've been rather lazy today and so far haven't gotten any knitting accomplished. I don't like any of my projects right now and want to start something else. Maybe I'll start on my Swirl shawl. Or maybe I'll just finish what I have been working on lately. I have the first Bloomsbury gauntlet finished except for the embroidery so maybe I'll do that. But first I think I'll have another cuppa.

Pre-spring! First Birkenstock wearing day. The colors didn't show up in this shot-the toes are bright green. Ahhhh,but it felt good to let my toes wiggle. First day at the park. The ducks are enjoying it as well.

Looks like spring came to Trader Joes. They are the cutest little pots of flowers. I love daffodils the best of spring flowers. They are just so cheery. And if you can see just out the window there is some shiny thing casting light all over outside! Now have had a nice, sunny day today. Just warm enough to go down to a flannel-lined jacket. Which is good because my big winter coat was looking kind of ratty. So it had a nice wash today. That's always scary....are you going to open the washer and find the coat or just a string that was holding the hood? The coat survived and thankfully I had my woolen handknit "glittens'' in a covered pocket. Can't believe I forgot to pull them out of the coat. Luckily they did just fine. I think if they had been in the side pocket without the flap they could have been a little bit felted if they had fallen out. Even though the washer is a front-loader it will still felt somewhat. I know because I threw a pair of socks for mom in and ooops, they now fit me. It was out of KnitPicks Palette sock yarn and I really didn't think they would shrink. At least I can wear them. Oooooh and they are soooo warm.I have finished all my ufo's (yes,yes Not the Celtic poncho. Get off my back! teehee). Just seamed up a pair of beaded socks for mom and now am working on the Bloomsbury Gauntlets. It's a pretty fast knit so instant gratification. Which is always nice. They should really "pop" when I add the embroidery.

Deciding on whether to make a vest or a sweater next. I have a cool cabled vest pattern but it's the same yarn as Ragna so maybe I'll go for the sweater. It's a sport-weight Aran-like sweater that looks rather slouchy and comfortable. Those are my favorite kind of sweaters. You know, the ones you've had since high school or college. Those sloppy looking, push up your sleeves, wear it with everything from jeans to skirts with boots to Birks. I think I made up my mind. The yarn is a lovely medium purple, which isn't a color I normally go for but will be different to use.
Finally got my coupon for my free Starbucks drink for my birthday so I think I'll go and treat myself to some kind of "fancy" latte that I never drink but why not?