I just love these patterns by Kristin Nicholas. This is the Autumn Leaves pattern from her book "Knit with Kristin". I'm about 1/2 way through the second one so should be finished by tomorrow if I don't spend alot of time online!

The yarn is mostly Deb Stoller's Stitch Nation Full 'o Sheep and the colors are just vibrant. My next big project is a large wrap (the kind you can throw over a jacket in the cold weather) and just got all the yarn for it. I like that JoAnn's takes competitor coupons and as many as you have as long as they aren't the same. I used a bunch of 50% off coupons to get all my yarn so ...yah...it only cost 1/2 as much. Good for me. Plus it will be my first steeked project so that should be a whole lotta angst. Teehee.
My first homegrown tomato!!! Looked a little raggedy but tasted great. I have about 7 more and 2 of them look like they are ripening up just fine.
My herbs are growing like gangbusters and I bought another basil plant at Trader Joe's the other day.

Couldn't beat the price. It was a good sized plant for $2.99. I like to make pesto and freeze it so the basil gets used up fast. I just bought some arugula today to make some more. Yum.
Here is my fabulous dinner from the other night. I used a Gardein "breast" (which is made of grains and veggies and all kinds of good things) and flattened it out and dredged it in some flour and fried it and topped it with a lovely caper/wine sauce. The greens are a collard green salad with a tamarind/miso dressing with sauteed pears on top.

Went to one of the farmer's markets today. One of the ones down in the city-Hyde Park. It's a more expensive area of town and the market was great! It was soooooo hot though and didn't help that it was set up on blacktop. Whew. Found some lovely garlic scapes (yah!). It's about the last of the season for those so I was happy to have found them. Got about 4 bunches. And some beautiful swiss chard that is destined for a millet, white bean and chard casserole. Some banana peppers and red onions (with the dirt still on them....now that's what I call fresh). I think I'm just going to saute up some of the scapes and toss them on top of some pasta with a little olive oil.

Amanda and I are always looking for a good veggie burger recipe and I have made several. This is the Better Black Bean burger from Robin Robertson's latest "Vegan on the Cheap" and I must say it is WONDERFUL! Fries up all crispy on the outside and not mushy at all. Put it on a good ciabatta bun with some mustard and soy mayo with leaf lettuce and a juicy tomato and a fabulous lunch.

I wish I could say that Amanda has some tomatoes on her plant. She did have about 11 or 12 but the deer that has been hanging around her yard obviously had a late night snack the other night. Man, is she mad. Of course I would be also.

And it was sleeping all curled up by the pot next to the patio.
I got fairly close to shoot this photo with my cell phone before it turned and sauntered off back into the woods.

She has entirely too much nature for living in a subdivision. A bunny nest in the front yard. A bird's nest in the rafter of the car port. Deer roaming through the yards and across the streets. And a whole bunch of coyotes in the woods. She and her neighbor watched one slink through the yard the other day. They are all over Cincinnati and quite the nuisance.

Alright. I am off to knit and stay cool. It's going to be in the 90*s the next few days. Just ridiculous for this time of year. Stay cool!

Knitting has commenced. Although I did finish this the other day before the finger splint.

I don't know what I did to my finger but you should have seen the bruise!I think I must have had a nasty bone bruise because it was the loveliest bunch of colors you have ever seen. And swollen. I could knit a little but it was slow going. I was sorely disappointed because last week I ordered a drop spindle learn to spin kit from Etsy and it came the same day I had to splint the finger.

I know, I know. Like I need something else to do. I've seen Robin's ( www.fortheloveoffiber.typepad.com) yarn that she has spun and it made me envious! Just beautiful. I know that "this way madness lies" teehee, but I think it looks like fun. We shall see.

Okay. I think I shall put the splint on for one more night so I'll be back with more in a few days.

This is why I am not knitting. :( Looks better in the photo.
And it makes typing 2 fingered so I'll see you in a day or two.

Here is what I did over the holiday weekend. Well, the fun part anyway. This is my new dyed yarn. It's KnitPicks Bare merino in a fingering weight and dyed with Wilton food coloring. Just 3 colors ...Royal Blue, Egg yellow and Fuschia made all the wonderful colors.

Easy to do with the microwave and I get so carried away with the dye that it's hard to stop. Here it is after being tediously rolled into a ball.

The colors are very cool.

I'm knitting a pair of plain socks with purls every so often to highlight some of the colors.

I have 3 more skeins of the Peruvian wool fingering weight that I was going to dye for socks but have decided to use for my swirl shawl. I didn't really have enough yarn (1100 yards of fingering) so I was going to double some lace weight that I have stashed. But, lo and behold, I can make my own for it so that is what I will do! I bought some great neon food colors at Krogers the other day and I bet it will make great yarn.

The weekend was fine. I was mowing the lawn the other day and forgot to put the gas cap back on after I filled the tank (duh) and ran over it and it shot down the driveway into the street. I didn't see it at the time since I was in the side yard by that time and spent a good 15 minutes searching in the yard for it. When I stopped and traced my steps I realized that it had rolled all the way down the drive into the four-lane street....arrrggghhhhh! Needless to say, the mower chewed it up quite nicely. Good job for me as it's not even 2 months old. So off to the Home Depot to buy a universal cap. It didn't look like the one I had ( smart me, I took the cap with me) and the sales clerk opened the package and then we went to the display of mowers and made sure it fit. Certainly was a deal for a $5.00 cap. But now the mower has a lovely new "lid" and the gas stays in, so all's well that ends well.

Just had the most wicked thunderstorm rolling through earlier. The thunder was so loud and the lightening was right overhead and it seemed like it was practically in the house. The booming was so loud at times that the house shook and I jumped about 2 feet in the air everytime it thundered. And it poured. Looked like the heavens opened. Thank God that's over. And no harm but some water in the basement by the walls. It was rushing over the gutters in streams and just running down the front of the house down into the basement. When it rains like that I don't think there is anything you can do to stop it but start mopping and putting down rags. But it is much cooler out right now so that's always nice.

As promised here is some knitting. I did write out this post the other night but then the computer froze and that was the end of that. I did have the foresight to save the post (or at least most of it).

These are the Atlantic/Pacific socks from "Kristin Knits". They certainly are bright, no? I like the bobbled edge.

I do like the vest now that I fiddled with it a little bit. I just picked up stitches at the bottom and continued the garter stitch border for a few more inches. Much better. It's made with Peaches and Creme yarn in the colorway "Juanita Rose". I think it will keep me warm this fall.

Right now it's been so hot that I am only working on socks.

I have a pile of "want to be started right now" projects but I want to get the ones on the needles finished first.

Just got finished mowing the lawn. Whew!! HOT! But at least that is done for a few days.

Really haven't done too much cooking these last few days since it's been so hot. But have made some ice (soy) cream. Blackberry and today I made cherry. Very tasty. And I also made a loaf of bread because the bread machine really does all the work.
Alright. I am going to go get something to eat since it's already 10:00 pm and I don't want to wait any later. Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day.

Knitting has actually been occurring here. This is the start of the candle flame shawl (pattern is on Ravelry...but there are corrections) and I think it's going to be stunning. Not to mention warm. I put it away for awhile since the temperature has ratcheted up exceedingly fast for this time of year. Today was in the 80*s and rather humid from all the rain we've had the last few days. On Friday it was crazy!We had so much rain so fast that the wall in the basement had trickles of water running down them from the rain coming down the front of the house and just coming against the house. I suppose I need to put down some more mulch. That probably will help stop rain. Although when it's coming down in sheets and gushing down the street, it's hard to say if anything will stop it at that point.

We had gone to Trader Joe's earlier in the day...they FINALLY got in their gluten-free waffles (yah for mom!) and by the time we had checked out it was absolutely teaming down. Of course I was wearing a cotton shirt and capris and by the time I went out to get the car I was totally drenched. All the way to my underoos. A most miserable drive home. And the seats in the car are fabric so I didn't want to lean back and soak it. And then the inside of the car steamed up so much we couldn't even see out the windows. A most unfortunate trip. I was so glad to get home and change and dry my hair. Then, of course, it got much warmer out and I was dressed for cooler weather. By then I had just given up.
Found some lovely blackberries on sale yesterday and made the most delicious basil-blackberry crisp with balsamic vinegar and it so soooo good. Quite different with the basil. I probably should've gotten more basil plants since I practically stand over mine and wait for the leaves to grow! And I am proud to announce -I have 8 tomatoes on my plant!! I can't wait for them to be ready.
I'm also putting together some blackberry soy cream and a wonderful apple-arugula salad for tomorrow. When it starts warming up all I want is fruit and cold dishes and salads.
I am almost finished with the sampler vest. I tried it on the other day and it was a few inches shorter than I would've liked. Since the bottom is a garter stitch border I just seamed it up and picked up stitches and continued it on for another few inches. It looks much better. I am now on the border around the front edges and neck. Over 300 stitches so it takes awhile to get through a row. But I feel very satisfied when I get to the end.
Off to finish knitting (so I can start something else!). Stay cool.

As promised, here is a knitting photo. It's the Textured Sampler vest from Lion Brand and it's knit in Peaches and Cream cotton. I made one for mom last year and decided to make the shorter version for myself. I'm not sure if I will like it or not. It seems like it might be too short. But I will measure it against some of my other vests and probably will be surprised.Here is an apple cake that I made today. Very tasty. It's made with shredded Granny Smiths, applesauce, dried apples and apple juice in the glaze.
Well, just a check-in today. I have "the sinus" and a splitting headache. See you in a day or two.

Yarn stash. I bought this a month or so ago at Yarns and Fabrications. They had it listed as a fingering weight,which I thought was a little thin but what do I know? Turns out it's a lace weight so now I must find a pattern to knit. Anyone have a good pattern suggestion that takes less than 450 yards? Something like a shawl or wrap?

It's pretty though. It's Sekku and I really like the colors.This is what I made yesterday. Baked onion rings from my new cookbook "American Vegan Kitchen". OH MY! It's a good thing that I only made 1 onion worth because I totally could have made myself sick eating them. Soooooo good. And totally easy to prepare. So far everything that I've made from it has been a keeper.
And this is a collard green/red cabbage slaw-type salad that was the side dish.

No knitting pictures today but will post some in the next few days.

I planned on posting sooner this week but everytime I got on I had to do something with the computer...from having it freeze to having to uninstall and then re-install the virus program and by the time I'm finished dealing with all these things that are really much beyond my "ken" I am overwhelmed and just want to shut the thing down and walk away. While I really like the computer sometimes I miss the times before everyone had one. I mean, what did we all do before we all had cell phones? I still remember when I was in high school and the radio in my car "died" and I had to use a tape player with cassette tapes for music. Yeah, yeah, I know, I just really dated myself. That was before the big "boom" boxes. And now I have mp3 players and computer programs. Waxing nostalgic here it seems. But I do miss my mix tapes. And if I do say so myself... I used to make pretty good mix tapes.

Here is what I have finished last week. The good news is that it was cold enough the last 2 days to get to wear them! I dyed the yarn myself with KoolAid and am pretty pleased with them. The pattern is Zephyr from Ravelry and it went fast and they are so comfortable.
The yarn is Knit Picks Bare and quite a bargain. Over 400 yards for under $5.00. And have a decent ball left over.

I will definately dye my own again. And use the powdered drink mix as they look good.

Here are a few more pictures from the nursery. Isn't this just the cutest pony?

Bought a tomato plant last week and am keeping my fingers crossed that it will make it through living with me. I don't have the greatest track record at keeping plants alive although I do have the best intentions. I over obsess about watering them and must "love" them to death. So far I have 2 tiny tomatoes! We are under a frost advisory for tonight and I brought in all the herbs but couldn't carry the tomato because it's in a huge pot with about 60 lbs. of dirt. I had no idea that it would take that much dirt to fill the thing!
Here is the donkey. He was mostly interested in eating. I know how he feels.

Went to Starbucks today (and yesterday....fine, I can't help it) because they now have make your own Frappucinos. And they can be vegan. Woot! And at half-price you can't beat getting a big drink for under $2.50. Had a coffee, extra coffee Frappucino with no whip cream and oh my!! So good. I can see how these are addictive.

Don't have any food pictures this time but made the best noodle "pie/frittata" type thing that was fabulous. It's from a new book called "American Vegan Kitchen" and it's full of recipes that are reminiscent of diner meals and recipes. All kinds of things that I want to make. Including fried avocado wedges. Yeah that doesn't sound awful or anything...teehee.

Also got the new "Vegan on the Cheap" by Robin Robertson and so far everything has been a winner. Just not enough hours in the day to make and eat everything.

Well, back to the knitting. I have just cast on for a sampler vest for myself (don't judge me! I know I still have the celtic poncho. I'll get to it. Don't laugh!) and a season of Numbers to watch. See you soon.

Picture-heavy post ahead.

Been to some of the garden centers to start getting some of my herbs to plant. I only use pots so I don't get too many...besides, I don't do "well" with plants. Not a green thumb at all. But the majority of the herbs that I got last year did okay so I am attempting to have more. I planted 3 basil plants (why yes, I do like basil, why do you ask?), sage, apple mint (smells divine),and curly leaf parsley. Some of the basil is ready to pick so dinner tonight is pasta with fresh 5 minute basil and tomato sauce from La Dolce Vegan. I got some lovely tomatoes on the vine and they are just ready to eat.

At one of the garden centers (Varnau) they have animals so here are some of the fun shots.

Chickens! They were busy studying the cell phone.

These are their 2 emus, Charles and Camilla. I don't know which is which and I thought it was rude to ask them...teehee.

The goat was quite cute...but wanted to eat the cell phone. Sure did like having his/her head scratched.

You can barely see the goat on the hut but he sure looked unpleasant.

Peacocks both male and female. The male was really trying to impress the lady who couldn't seem to care less.

I think he's attractive but since I'm not a bird, what do I know?

He was one proud rooster.

Another male trying his best.

Here are my toasted coconut cupcakes with coffee "buttercream" frosting. Sooooooo good. Unfortunately I only have one more. Guess I'll have to make some more.




This is a barley "risotto" with mushrooms and kale and beans. Just fabulous.

Been knitting up a storm and will have photos of that next time.

I can't believe that it's been since the 14th that I've posted. I don't know what I've been doing. Well, I haven't been online much so I suppose that will do it.

I did some lawn mowing this morning since we are supposed to have days of rain so time to get a jump on all the dandelions! Had to buy a new mower last week because the self-propelling part stopped propelling. It made more sense to buy a new mower for about $100.00 more than repairing a 5 year old one that was going to be at least $150.00. This one does a nice job so it can stay.

Did some baking today. These are Toasted Almond cupcakes with a coffee ''buttercream" frosting from Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and they are FANTASTIC!!! The frosting tastes like buttercream and just melts in your mouth. A definated make again!

Went down to Coffee Emporium to stock up on some tea and here is their patio. It's hard to see in this picture but the whole trellis top is covered with wisteria and it's just stunning. It was a great day for a drive and went "the long way" home. Which is just a fancy way of saying that we took all the back streets and didn't take a direct route home.

Here is a shot of one of the homes on the same street.

I don't have any knitting pictures to show but I have completed a pair of socks for Amanda and am working on a pair for mom right now. Also I did finish the sampler socks and they are very comfortable. I'm getting ready to knit a shawl and a vest for myself but am trying to get a few small things done first.

Ahhhh. I love when the weather is just warm enough to have the windows and back door open. I just like to sit in the family room by the back door and just feel the sun warming my back and a little breeze whispering through every so often. If I just had the computer facing the door I'd be set. It's so lovely and green out and the lawn is freshly mown so that's out of the way for several days. Which is good since the mower just stopped self-propelling and had to go out and get a new one. *sigh* Well, you know what they say. "If it's not one thing, it's your mother." Hahahaha. Oops silly me.

Here's what I'm knitting right now. It's a sampler sock from "The Big Book of Socks" and I'm almost half finished with the second one. I thought the yarn would show the patterns better than they do but still it's a fun knit and it does look good. The yarn is "Walk Away" sock yarn by Yarn Bee from Hobby Lobby and was a good buy at $9.95 for over 400 yds. I know I probably should have used a solid yarn but until just recently I didn't have but one skein stashed away. I know....crazy, right? But I got some lovely Opal solids from www.littleknits.com and will pick out a good textured pattern to show off.
Here's my latest "try" in cooking. It's a ''quiche" from The Urban Vegan cookbook and definately a winner. I sauteed greens, mushrooms, and onions and topped with sliced tomatoes and panko. I love panko as topping on just about anything. It's a good cheese substitute sprinkled on pasta. And I really like the crunch.

I made some great "pesto" out of spinach with pecans and basil and some with arugula and walnuts. Yum. I keep it in the freezer and just made a great pasta dish with some yesterday. So good.

Since it's starting to warm up now I've been craving more salads and spreads for sandwiches. Yesterday I made a wonderful potato bread but gave the loaf to Amanda because I figured I would make another loaf today. I suppose I will have to make one tomorrow since today seemed full of trying to find a lawn mower that didn't cost more than the car...teehee.

Well, I'm off to get another cuppa and have some dinner before sitting down with my knitting and watching the final "Ugly Betty". I really like that show and hopefully I can find some of the seasons for less than $45.00!

Enjoy the lovely day all!

It's spring looking up into my tree! Busy scraping and painting and generally cleaning around. Will be back in a day or two.

Spring has sprung at Whole Foods! This is their display of heather and lavender. Not only beautiful to see but the smell is fabulous! I really like lavender. It makes a great tea if you have a headache. And such a pretty purple color. My favorite "perfume" that I wear (well, besides Obsession, when I can get a squirt of it!) is patchouli or a blend of patchouli and lavender...or as I call it--patchinder. Amanda likes to just call it smelling like dirt but at least she can tell when I'm around....teehee. Been busily knitting away. Finished my Cuffed socks from "Color by Kristin" book and LOVE them. Learned a few new things from them, including better colorwork handling. So thumbs up for me. I also really like the yarn. It's Full 'o Sheep Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller. The colors are screamingly bright and really get a nice amount of wool for the money. The only drawback is that JoAnn's is the only distributer so far. But they take competitors' coupons so that's a plus.


Cooking has ensued here also. These are mac and "cheese" bites from a blog that I read. I have loved everything that I've made from it ...except for these. I wasn't thrilled with the "cheese" that I used, which could account for the lack of enthusiasum on my part. I can't find the Daiya cheese anywhere that everyone is raving about lately so I think that could definately make a difference. Would I make them again? Probably not.



But some of the other dishes are fabulous.

Wheatberry salad and seitan spread sandwich are a great hit!

This is a soy-mirin glazed tofu with a peanut sauce and snow peas over wild rice from the Vegan Yum Yum cookbook. An excellent dish and one that I will most definately make again.