So its been a while since I last blogged.  I am wiping off the cobwebs, not sure where this will take me this time around.  I love facebook but its limiting in terms of describing processes with cooking and crafts.  This new format is going to take some getting used to for sure.

Knitting

Years ago when I first learned to crochet, the internet had not yet been invented. I struggled with my yarn and hook, begging strangers to help me figure it all out. Knitting? Uh, no. I had enough on my plate.

Time passed and I learned crochet. I actually stuck with it, through the cursing and yelling. I did pretty well with it. And then I got bored.

After staying at home with the girls, my brain needed exercise. I needed to learn a new skill. I needed to work the synapses. And that lovely crystal vase of knitting needles that I had been hoarding called to me...

I have made so much progress and I have to say that I enjoy it more than crochet these days. I love the challenge of learning new stitches and new techniques. I love the lovely foil that it offers crochet. I find myself craving more interesting yarns. It is such joy.

Butt Camera, Here I Come!

For the past few weeks, I have been having bowel issues - let's just say more famine than feast. Blood work was normal, physical exam showed nothing enlarged. I am also having pain in my back on the left side. I suspect the pain is muscular as I took two hard falls in the river a few weeks back while we were tubing. In one instance, I turned to the right and fell on that side on a rock.

With the bowel issues, my doc has ordered a colonoscopy. Its tomorrow. Today is the prep work. This means clear liquids all day followed by a gut-busting rinse this afternoon. The doc is the same one who did my rectal reconstruction and 'rhoid surgery to correct the issues I had from having two huge babies. I am trying to think of something witty to write on my ass for a cheap laugh. Maybe, "Welcome Back!"? Or "If something did actually crawl up my butt and die, please don't tell my husband because I will have to admit that he was right." Yes, that probably would all actually fit on my butt. Sad.

I am really, really scared. Of course, I cannot help sitting and wondering about all of the outcomes. I can't seem to have a rational thought about the whole situation.

Light up the sky like a flame

I love living on a dirt road. You know, my shop catch phrase is, "Like a disco ball on a dirt road." I took these while taking the girls to school this morning. They have not been altered in any way. Check out the little circles in the above photo...phantom disco balls. How cool is that? Oh maybe I just need to clean my camera lens.

On the way to school, my best twirly girly whirlies!

The scarf I currently have on the needles, a simple feather and fan but with a black yarn with tiny sequins woven through it. Everyone should have more sparkle and glitter in their life.

Suck it Pioneer Woman

I saw The Pioneer Woman on The View this last week. I check her blog on and off. She has good food, nice pics. Not sure I get the hype. I mean, none of those food items on the show were really new or inspired - potato skins, jalapeno poppers? Have folks become so far removed from cooking as a skill that these things are genius? I don't want to hate on her, I really don't. She's a mom to four kids (edited), bless her heart. But I make that stuff all the time and frankly no one really gives a crap. Maybe I need better pictures?

So the only things still producing in the garden are the jalapenos, the okra, and the tomatoes. I blogged about the tomatoes. This was my other project to do today to use up some produce.

I love canning. Some of the stuff ends up as gifts, the rest we use during the winter. The only part that aggravates me is that it can require such precise measurements. This is the reason I dislike baking.


I really didn't have a recipe for this and I was I used 7-8 jalapenos that I seeded. I used 4 big hot red peppers, not sure what kind since they came from my mother-in-law. I added three green bell peppers and whizzed it all in the food processor. I added about 4 cups of sugar, a little vinegar, and some pectin. I think it looks right pretty with all of the green and red. I just hope it sets up.

This is really tasty on a grilled cheese - sharp cheddar, sourdough and a dash of pepper jam and then pressed in the panini press.

Roasted Tomatoes

Had a buttload of tomatoes and I had to use them up. I cleaned off the pokey stems, rinsed them off and tossed them with some olive oil and salt and pepper. I put them on 2 cookie sheets lined with tin foil. I roasted them at 450 for about 25-30 minutes. I left them to cool for a while.

Came back and sauteed some onion in some oil. I added some garlic. I added one sheet of the tomatoes and some chicken stock, basil and marjoram. I let the soup simmer for an hour, then whizzed it with the immersion blender. I added a pint of heavy cream. At this point, I tasted and realized it needed to be strained. I whipped out the chinois and strained it. Smooth and tasty. We'll have it tomorrow with subs.

The rest of the tomatoes got tossed in another pot and simmered with garlic for a while. I added some onions and red and orange peppers and meatballs. We will have spaghetti and meatballs tonight.

Mission accomplished!

I have not abandoned my blog.

I have not. In fact, I am going to start (again) using it more. I want to share more items in progress, do some writing, share some projects I have planned, etc.

Got me a fancy new widget over there. Thanks to the folks at craftcult.com.

Out with the pig, in with the cat. She is a lovely long-haired tortie named Megatron. She came to us named that way.

Reading a lot of historical fiction, specifically British history. Signed up for NANOWRIMO.

Knitting a scarf, planning a quilt. Making stuff from the garden, lately jam and ketchup.

Baby Abraham

Yes, we finally got a pet pig. His name is Abraham. He's pretty cute. Scott has wanted one forever so know he's got one.

Made an excellent pasta dish tonight:

Pantry Pesto Pasta

1 lb whole wheat spaghetti

1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers (I used jarred ones)

1 heaping t minced olives

2 T pesto

1/2 c heavy cream

1 egg

Cook the pasta per the directions. While its cooking mix remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly. Drain pasta and toss with sauce. Makes 4-6 servings.

I might also add some walnuts, chipotle, or shredded spinach. You can do a lot with this.