tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29536442332478747662024-03-13T05:29:34.013-06:00Pink JourneyHome, knitting, food, travel, little boys. Life.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-76009747027228676972012-02-12T11:17:00.002-07:002012-02-12T11:17:20.891-07:00Flying OutI know I've been incredibly quiet lately. Shortly after my last post I was pulled on to a project that has exploded to twice the size we thought. I've spent the past month giving engineers and technicians oxygen so that we can get draft reports out to the client on time. Many weekends and evening hours saw our floors of the building alive with activity, when they would normally be silent and calm. Now clarification questions and requests for changes have started to come back. Spreadsheets to be filled out, maps to be made.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately due to a lack of foresight and planning on our part, we will probably only be paid for about half of this work. Boo.<br />
<br />
However, it also means that in 2 days I and 3 others from my office are flying out to Beijing to present to the client our findings and discuss adjustments and changes that need to be made (hopefully on the fly by a dedicated engineer or two in our office at 1am).<br />
<br />
I will be in Beijing for a grand total of 2.5 days. Two of which are being spent inside an office tower. In transit for 3.<br />
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I know I should be excited about this. China has never been on my travel radar, and I've always had the opinion that if I want to travel somewhere I would go where I want and pay for it myself, thank you.<br />
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So, I go on the company dime. At least they can afford better flights and hotels than I can. And I know I'll come back having had a wonderful experience. I'm just not looking forward to it right now.<br />
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On the other hand, I received an early birthday present. One that includes a flight somewhere else that I <i>am</i> incredibly excited about. One that I will fill you all in on as it gets closer.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-60490125280956292722012-01-18T13:01:00.001-07:002012-01-18T13:01:31.580-07:00Even Industrial Heating Is Not SufficientThis morning I awoke at 4:50am. Hubs was in the midst of getting ready for his day. A day that includes two flights to a warmer climate. A day of hanging out with my Dad. A day that starts the ultimate of their guys' weekend.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed getting up early. It meant I had time for a coffee before getting ready. I got to watch the morning news, E and I had breakfast together, and relaxed a bit before I had to drive him to school. No rush, none of the last minute dashing about for misplaced mittens and school forms that usually marks our weekday mornings.<br />
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Today my husband and my father fly to Phoenix to attend the <a href="http://www.barrett-jackson.com/events/scottsdale/">Barrett Jackson Collector Car Auction</a> in Scottsdale, Arizona. They are flying to a 3-bedroom, 4-bathroom house in a gated community that may or may not be on a golf course. They are flying to 20 degrees Celsius.<br />
<br />
They are flying out of -30 degrees Celsius. They are flying out of -39 degrees Celsius when wind chill is applied. They are flying out of snow covered sidewalks (too cold to shovel), and ice covered streets (too cold for salt). They are flying out of traffic crawling along at less than half the normal speed because someone decided to not pay attention to the poor road conditions and inserted the front of their car into another car's trunk.<br />
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Today, for the second day, I have a shawl wrapped around my shoulders. On top of my sweater. For the third day today, our office building cannot heat enough for any level of comfort. Our windows at home look like the inside of a deep freeze. Inside the house. I could feel cold air coming through the vent as I folded clothes out of the dryer.<br />
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This is what this week has for us. We were lulled into complacency with barely negative temperatures for so long. And now, Mother Nature is making up for it. With one week of sub-polar temperatures, she has dragged the average temperature for the year back down to where it should be.<br />
<br />
Spring cannot come fast enough in my books.<br />
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The getting up early though? Like I said, I quite enjoyed it. Enough that I may try it again tomorrow morning. Maybe not pre-5am, but earlier than normal.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-21155228234154960442012-01-12T08:00:00.000-07:002012-01-12T08:00:12.685-07:00First Family Game NightLast Friday we held our first family game night. It's a perfect day for us, as it's my night off from cooking supper, thanks to our local pizza delivery service, and we're not as concerned with the boys' bedtimes.<br />
<br />
Our sister-in-law is a big board game fan. Whenever our families are together, and the boys are in bed (or being looked after by an older cousin), she pulls out a game for the adults to enjoy. And she always has some really fun, different games. No Game of Life or Monopoly for this lady. She's more likely to pull out Ticket to Ride, Apples to Apples, or for the marathon board gamers, Settlers of Catan. Without fail a good time is had by all, and a lot of great conversations have taken place while we play. After witnessing this once again over Christmas holidays, I decided we needed to start bringing this into our boys' lives, hopefully lighting a flame within them that glows with the memories of quality time spent with family and friends.<br />
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For Christmas this year, my parents gave both boys their own games. They have other games, which will definitely get pulled off the shelf more often now, but we decided to start with the new ones.<br />
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S received <a href="http://www.blueorangegames.com/chickyboom.php">Chickyboom</a>. This is a fantastic game. This is our fourth Blue Orange game. I love them. They're wooden, painted pieces, and the games are fun for the whole family, but simple enough that when the kids are only 4 years old, they can understand the rules and play. And there's a level of education too. Chickyboom, for example, is a balance game.<br />
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E's game was played after S went to bed. Hubs is a chess player, and since E started reading Harry Potter, he's wanted to learn how to play chess. So, my folks found this <a href="http://www.intplay.com/productdetails.aspx?type=2&prodid=15&pid=4118">Quick Chess</a> game. One side is a smaller board (less squares), for faster games with less pieces, to get the new player used to how the pieces move. E beat Hubs his first time out. The other side is a traditional size, for longer games. E was able to focus for about 45 minutes on this one, which is pretty good for a 6-year old not playing a video game.<br />
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I have to say our first family games night was a success. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their game, and as adults we were able to let go of always being in control a little bit, and truly enjoy the evening for what it was, not what we hoped it would be.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-41901910752005065962012-01-11T12:46:00.000-07:002012-01-11T12:46:00.794-07:00WIP Wednesday - Prayer ShawlLast fall I agreed to join the newly formed Prayer Shawl Ministry at church. I'd been looking for some way to contribute that didn't involve being away from my boys a lot, since I work full time outside of the home. This was a perfect fit. Work at your own pace, meetings once every couple months, and something I already know how to do.<br />
<br />
My first shawl is a simple garter stitch, and I plan to add some fringe to the ends. The colours are earthy, subtle, and soothing. It will be easy to take care of, so no matter who it is gifted to, there's not a lot of special instructions. I think that's one of the main ideas behind the prayer shawls. Low maintenance seems to be key.<br />
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I'm think I'm about 60 percent finished the knitting portion. The nice thing about garter stitch is that it doesn't require a lot of thinking, there's not reading charts, you can truly give in to the meditative process as you knit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FfYMy_Vk08/Twn4FyAHuSI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/xbfew1ygZM8/s1600/IMG_4394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4FfYMy_Vk08/Twn4FyAHuSI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/xbfew1ygZM8/s320/IMG_4394.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern: Comfort Shawl. Yarn: Lion Brand Homespun in Mediterranean</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more WIP Wednesday creations-in-progress, head over to <a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2012/01/work-in-progress-wednesday-75.html">Tami's</a>!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-45043394484900424502012-01-08T08:00:00.000-07:002012-01-08T08:00:00.290-07:00Sundays are for Quotes"I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless I buy something." Jackie MasonDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-42206020035734355292012-01-07T08:00:00.000-07:002012-01-07T08:00:09.613-07:00Apples!Sit back, and prepare to be transported back...to a wonderful time...a time when life was simple...to late September of 2011.<br />
<br />
Confession...I wrote this post right after we picked the apples. And promptly decided to not download any pictures for...four months! Anyway, rather than re-boot this next fall, and since the weather here is pretty much fall-like instead of winter-white, I thought I'd share it today.<br />
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<br />
Just in time, I think, we managed to get the majority of the apples off the tree.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday night, our mothers came over, we grabbed a couple of ladders, some boxes, and got to work, with the anticipation of Chinese take away food to greet us when we were done.<br />
<br />
It only took about an hour for three women, one man, and two children to get as many apples as could be reached and that were actually ready to say goodbye to their home. A goodly portion of that time, it was really one man working, while three women stood around talking about buying underwear, and two children chased each other around the yard.<br />
<br />
But it was fun. And look at that bounty! And they're real McIntosh apples, not the transparents (or is it translucents?) that a lot of people in the prairies have. Good, tart, firm Macs. Not like the soft, flavourless ones that come from so far away to the grocery store. These will be great for all sorts of baked goods, but they're also just perfect for eating out of hand.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TubaQtItxzo/TwZgf6Aj8cI/AAAAAAAAAN0/EKbrAmbbXdU/s1600/IMG_4331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TubaQtItxzo/TwZgf6Aj8cI/AAAAAAAAAN0/EKbrAmbbXdU/s320/IMG_4331.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 bins like this!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBdR6LQZv3E/TwZhv_VbY0I/AAAAAAAAAOA/3888qx43F_0/s1600/IMG_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBdR6LQZv3E/TwZhv_VbY0I/AAAAAAAAAOA/3888qx43F_0/s320/IMG_4330.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I call this one 'Brave Man on Tall Ladder'</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<br />
We now have five apple pies, some apple sauce, and dozens of bags of cut-up apples in the freezer. Now that Christmas season is over, it's time to start with the apple desserts again.<br />
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I love our apple tree. Next autumn will not come fast enough for me.<br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-57572735796362151002012-01-06T08:00:00.001-07:002012-01-06T08:00:01.433-07:00Friday Food - Warm Lentil Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI7fomc4nX0/TlaayYG5C_I/AAAAAAAAAMo/y2TUhna0ayg/s1600/IMG-20110824-00012+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XI7fomc4nX0/TlaayYG5C_I/AAAAAAAAAMo/y2TUhna0ayg/s320/IMG-20110824-00012+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
Excuse the quality of the above photo. I'm still a novice when it comes to taking pictures with my phone. I was at work, and this was my lunch.<br />
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When I need some cozy comfort food I quite often turn to lentils. Lentil soup is a favourite. But sometimes I don't want to make a big batch of soup. Sometimes I just want something I can whip up in the evening to have at work the next day.<br />
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French green lentils are my favourite. I discovered them about 5 or 6 years ago. At the time the only place I could find them was in bulk at the organic food store miles away, or in tiny little bags at the high-end grocers even further away. Then the distributor my food co-op uses started carrying them. Now I am the proud owner of a 10-pound bag of Lentils du Puy.<br />
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Here's one of my favourite warm salad recipes with lentils. Easy peasy, filling, comforting, and make-ahead friendly.<br />
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<strong><u>Warm Lentil Salad</u></strong> (makes 4 filling side servings)<br />
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1 cup French green lentils<br />
1 1/2 cups water<br />
bouquet garni (I like thyme and bay leaf for this)<br />
balsamic vinegar<br />
extra virgin olive oil<br />
nut oil of your choice<br />
toasted nuts of your choice (preferably the same as the nut oil)<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
chevre<br />
Put lentils, water, and bouquet garni into a pot and set over high heat. Once it's come to a boil, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the lentils are al dente. Drain any remaining water and remove the bouquet.<br />
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Drizzle with vinegar and oils to taste, and toss with toasted nuts. Season to taste. Before eating, crumble with feta or chevre. Enjoy!<br />
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Like I said above, this is a great make-ahead for lunches (and cheap!). I just pack it up, and bring it to work. Warm it in the microwave and crumble the cheese on top.<br />
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This is a fantastic recipe for experimenting. Different nuts, different oils, different cheeses or herbs, you could even add a quarter onion or garlic to the pot will the lentils are simmering. So many different combinations for that background essence. My favourite right now is walnuts and chevre. Play around and come up with your own favourite.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-45184921567469037482012-01-04T08:00:00.001-07:002012-01-04T13:16:07.735-07:00Falling WaterMy mother-in-law's Christmas present. I finished knitting this ages ago (in, like, September?), but didn't get around to blocking or finishing it until just before Christmas. Then I realized we were actually going to be seeing them on the 23rd, instead of the 24th like we normally would, and in a sudden panic, I had it soaked, measured, and pinned before going to bed on Thursday. Then I raced home from work on Friday to weave in the ends. <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP1821djzqY/TwSwzmC1SHI/AAAAAAAAANo/XpMRNT59CcI/s1600/IMG_4335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320px" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FP1821djzqY/TwSwzmC1SHI/AAAAAAAAANo/XpMRNT59CcI/s320/IMG_4335.JPG" width="213px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern: Falling Water by Bonnie Sennot. Yarn: Estelle Cadenza</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlkB5Cj80ek/TwSwxYEupFI/AAAAAAAAANg/6NZXzG8p08Y/s1600/IMG_4334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213px" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlkB5Cj80ek/TwSwxYEupFI/AAAAAAAAANg/6NZXzG8p08Y/s320/IMG_4334.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, she likes it. And I'm glad. I've never been able to get a sense of what she likes in clothing and accessories.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It's such a pretty blue, I kept a skein for myself.</div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-72949926877385612352012-01-03T12:49:00.000-07:002012-01-03T12:49:10.857-07:00FrustrationI spent 30 minutes yesterday in frustration, attempting to upload a picture from my home computer (iMac) onto blogger, and on to Ravelry. They don't seem to want to talk to each other anymore.<br />
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I just did a test on my work computer, and it worked fine.<br />
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Grrrrr...computers!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-24566558147484864622012-01-02T13:20:00.000-07:002012-01-02T13:20:43.627-07:00Welcome 2012Looking back, I feel much better about 2011 than I did about 2010. Which is a good thing. It's funny though, because 2010 wasn't that bad. I think I just felt out of sorts for a good portion of that year. Out of control and constantly playing catch-up.<br />
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The past 12 months brought us some change, but mostly it was about us growing together as a family. For Hubs and I, something about our new house somehow makes us feel all grown-up now. For the boys, it seems that one extra year has brought a new level of maturity. Speaking and listening to each other is easier. Understanding comes sooner.<br />
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Christmas was wonderful this year. All the knitting was done in time, cookies were made, and while cards didn't get sent out, notes are starting to be written in reply to the ones that were received.<br />
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January brings getting our financial house back in order, which was neglected during December. The Freedom List will also be resurrected, after being forgotten in the move to the new house. The new family calendar has been chosen and sits by the kitchen phone, ready to keep our schedules at bay.<br />
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I've never been one to focus on resolutions (and apparently I'm not the only one, I've read that a lot today). However, Hubs and I did agree that our family is in need of one evening a week for things like board games and puzzles. And, after struggling back into my work clothes this morning, a focus on my physical health is definitely in order. Oh, and finish Hubs' sweater. Finally.<br />
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With all this, I'm looking forward to 2012. Not in the way I looked forward to 2011, gleefully waving at 2010 in the rearview mirror. Instead, I look back at 2011 with satisfaction and love, and welcome 2012 quietly with open arms.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-52795772755911407442011-12-01T11:03:00.000-07:002011-12-01T11:03:58.271-07:00Almost Forgot My Password...So, to continue to keep my head above water, I've just come to realize that there are certain months of the year when blogging is low on my list of priorities. I now know that October and November are in that group. I have one client in particular who demands a lot of attention during those two months, and unless I quit my job, there's just not much I can do about it. But, it's all good. they're a great bunch of guys (and lady), and I would hate to pass them over to another manager.<br />
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And so, I have looked up from my computer and seen that winter has arrived. I seem to be further ahead this year though, for the jolly season, as the first of our trees is up (there will be two this year), the lights are hung around the house, and the knitted presents are almost done.<br />
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I'm excited about Christmas this year. It's been a couple of years since I've been this excited.<br />
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We have a wood burning fireplace in our family room. We bought a lot of wood this fall. I don't think we bought enough. We're still in the passion stage with the fireplace. Almost every night we start a fire right after supper and keep it going until just before bed. I don't know how long it will take to settle into that comfortable long-term relationship sort of love.<br />
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My vision for Christmas morning? Gathering around the lit fireplace, the stockings full, the presents under the small tree that will be decorated with all the boys' ornaments, Christmas music on the iTunes. Us in our pyjamas (new ones for the boys, of course), enjoying our small family before heading over to the parents' home. If I could wrestle The Beast into a pair of antlers, I would.<br />
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From a totally self absorbed, consumerist point of view, I am excited about this Christmas for one reason: due to the layout of our house, I now have my 'designer-Christmas' area in the living room and dining room, where everything coordinates, and sparkles. I also have the 'fun-Christmas' area in the family room and kitchen, where the decorations are less matchy, and more about heart and memories.<br />
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Shallow? Oh well.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-69500464216040446952011-10-02T08:00:00.000-06:002011-10-02T08:00:01.122-06:00Sundays are for Quotes"Growing old is no more than a bad habit which a busy person has no time to form." Andre MauroisDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-40029302032252918302011-09-27T13:18:00.000-06:002011-09-27T13:18:36.137-06:00Head Above WaterJust when I thought things were slowing down...<br />
<br />
Our crabapple tree exploded all over our front lawn.<br />
Both our families enjoyed a warm weekend in Radium at the annual <a href="http://columbiavalleyclassics.com/">Classic Car Show</a>.<br />
I volunteered for a day for <a href="http://www.aspenfamily.org/">this wonderful local charity</a>.<br />
We joined Hubs' family for <a href="http://gcbd.ca/">a weekend of camping, games, and dancing</a>.<br />
We took the kids to catch <a href="http://www.head-smashed-in.com/">a glimpse of life on the prairies</a> many, many years ago.<br />
I interviewed some new graduates looking to join our company.<br />
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More on some of those soon...Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-51661038071856874142011-09-18T08:00:00.000-06:002011-09-18T08:00:05.166-06:00Sundays are for Quotes"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad." Edwin Way TealeDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-89759183837836276902011-09-08T09:56:00.000-06:002011-09-08T09:56:37.161-06:00Falling Into QuietI feel like summer has been crazy. Crazy!<br />
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Selling, buying, packing, moving (home).<br />
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Moving, selling, learning, integrating (work).<br />
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Shuttling, registering, supplying, feeding (boys).<br />
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I'm grateful September has arrived. Everyone is signed up for the activities that will take us through the next few months. I am putting out fewer fires, and am able to look beyond tomorrow.<br />
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I'm a planner. I'm almost obsessive about it. Flying by the seat of my pants stresses me out incredibly.<br />
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E started Grade 1 last week. I'm dealing with the public school system in our city for the first time since I left it in Grade 3. We moved that summer to a new jurisdiction, and I'm learning they ARE different. But, I'm enjoying not paying private school tuition, for one child at least!<br />
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Dancing has started up again too. E had his placement class, so we'll find out next week who his instructor is. S will have his first lesson next week. Between them dancing, Hubs sitting on the Board, and me trying to start up the Alumni association, we will be well acquainted with the studio this year I think.<br />
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And so, as the nights turn cooler, we have come sliding into our routine. I'm feeling a bit dusty from it, but have picked myself up, and am in the process of brushing off.<br />
<br />
(I even went shopping the other day! By myself! And bought things for me! That hasn't happened in years!)Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-76798088511369404192011-08-26T08:00:00.020-06:002011-08-26T08:00:05.335-06:00Friday Food - Raspberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdW45riZWJk/TlGHCIdpQzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/CXimU6LOHJU/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RdW45riZWJk/TlGHCIdpQzI/AAAAAAAAAMg/CXimU6LOHJU/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
If you grew up in the Canadian prairies, chances are someone in your family grew raspberries. My Mum didn't, but both of my grandmothers did. When we were first married, we lived in the house my grandparents had lived in for their retirement. Grandma's raspberry patch was still in the same place it had always been, the northeast corner of the lot, at the back of the garden.<br />
<br />
When we moved, we planted raspberries in the northwest corner of our lot, again at the back, against the fence. For anyone who is not aware, raspberries, if not kept in check, will spread. You will find shoots coming up metres away, in the rest of the garden, and in the lawn.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I was excited when I saw the raspberries in the backyard of our new house. And they are prolific. More so than mine ever were. I can get 2 cups in a day, and that's just the easy pickings. A good thing too, since E can ingest at least a cup a day. That boy loves his raspberries. I would normally buy, at a minimum, a pint of raspberries a week. Since we've been in this house (about a month now) I have not had to buy them.<br />
<br />
I feel like I should share a recipe or something for raspberries, but they're just so good fresh out of the bowl, or sprinkled over some ice cream. You don't need recipes when in-season raspberries are bursting with flavour. But, here's an idea for fresh raspberries on a lazy weekend morning:<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="background-color: white;">Lazy Raspberry Cream Sauce </span></b></u><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Raspberries</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Sugar to taste</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Mash the raspberries slightly with a fork. Not too much. Pour over some cream to make a thick sauce, and stir in some sugar. Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or crepes.<br />
<br />
What are some of your favourite ways to eat raspberries?Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-50479551700990707982011-08-24T08:26:00.000-06:002011-08-24T08:26:44.777-06:00WIP Wednesday - Broken Rib Cardigan<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTe0SD-Y0Lw/TlUH8rVWHSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5kze0NREK5A/s1600/IMG_2429_medium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BTe0SD-Y0Lw/TlUH8rVWHSI/AAAAAAAAAMk/5kze0NREK5A/s320/IMG_2429_medium2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern: <a href="http://www.allaboutyou.com/craft/pattern-finder/knitting-patterns/designer-knitting-patterns/knit-a-mans-broken-rib-cardigan-free-pattern-48122">Broken Rib Cardigan</a> by Debbie Bliss, Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease thick & Quick in Wood</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Would you believe this is the fourth project I ever started? Like my Mum, my thought process was 'go big or go home' (her first knitting project ever was a sweater).<br />
<br />
It's a cardigan for Hubs. To warm him up in the winter. For cozying up at home or at the cabin. It's already close to two years old and I'm still working on it. For a few reasons:<br />
<br />
<ul><li> It's huge. At 6'2", Hubs is a big guy, and hence needs a substantial sweater.</li>
<li>It's repetitive. Two rows to know.</li>
<li>I'm on the sleeves and the shaping scares me.</li>
<li>I haven't found appropriate buttons yet, which means I can't get going on one of the front panels.</li>
</ul><br />
<div> So far, I've finished the back and one front panel. I'm 3/4 through one sleeve. So, I'm technically over 50% done, but considering I pick it up once a month to work on, there's still a long way to go!</div><div> </div><div>(Apologies for the poor picture. This was one of my first cracks and photographing my knitting, and I also had to grab the picture back off Ravelry because I'm on a different computer.)</div><div> </div><div>For more WIP Wednesday goodies from this week, head on over to <a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/2011/08/work-in-progress-wednesday-55.html">Tami's</a>!</div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-38287475412439936232011-08-21T08:05:00.000-06:002011-08-21T08:05:20.072-06:00Sundays are for Quotes"Friendship doubles our joys and halves our griefs." Dolley Madison<br />
<br />
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-29363211825605562392011-08-12T08:00:00.003-06:002011-08-12T08:00:08.705-06:00Friday Food - Beef Bacon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3fk3AU7-ww/TkSOHH6eSkI/AAAAAAAAAMc/K5EAm8jcweo/s1600/IMG_4195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e3fk3AU7-ww/TkSOHH6eSkI/AAAAAAAAAMc/K5EAm8jcweo/s320/IMG_4195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In the summer, as many Saturday mornings as we can, we drive out to our 'local' famer's market. It's not really local to me anymore, but my parents still live in the area. The season always seems far too short. There's a couple markets in the city that I'm sure are closer, but I find it far more satisfying to go to an outdoor farmers market; it seems more authentic, and I think <a href="http://www.millarvilleracetrack.com/market/index.html">Millarville</a> is the largest outdoor market in Alberta.<br />
<br />
Anyway, we discovered <a href="http://www.alpineranch.ca/Home_Page.html">Alpine Ranch</a> this year at the market. They raise hormone-free, antibiotic-free, steroid-free beef (they're free of more than just those too). It is some of the best tasting local beef I've had. And I've had some.<br />
<br />
Our favourite product is the beef bacon, or as we like to call it, 'steakon'. Thinly sliced beef strips, taken from the cow in a similar place to where bacon would be taken from a pig. Think of nice, thin, crispy bacon, but with an unexpected flavour of a juicy steak.<br />
<br />
We barbeque ours over low heat, resulting in a nice, chewy texture, with very little fat. So carniverously yummy.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-31517266917776053682011-08-11T14:37:00.000-06:002011-08-11T14:37:23.825-06:00Apparently Unpacking is NOT Going WellI'm supposed to leave for a weekend in the mountains tomorrow afternoon. I'm driving, but once there, I will have a lot of time spent sitting and relaxing, which for me = knitting time! (I may get my brother to drive on the way home!)<br />
<br />
But I can't find the socks that I started and wanted to work on, since my shawl is coming to an end. I used them as lightweight filling in one of the moving boxes and have not found them yet. Other projects are too heavy and hot to work on while sitting on the deck in the sun, I'm leaving them for fall.<br />
<br />
I was sure I would have come across them by now, as they were in one of the last boxes to be packed. Along with them, is my 'support' bag. The little bag I keep with my needles for weaving in ends, my measuring tape, the pins I use for blocking projects. Without that little bag, I foresee an endless list of UFO's (unfinished objects) in my future.<br />
<br />
So, when I get home on Sunday night, I am not allowing myself to open a book and read. Nor will I be allowed to pull out a DVD to watch (Netflix is grounded too). Once the car is unloaded, and the laundry started, unpacking resumes.<br />
<br />
The past week I have used many excuses. I'm back at work. I only want to arrange the furniture and unpack once. But, it's time. The floor plans are done. I am fully capable of moving furniture myself. If I have to unload a box in one room and walk things across the house because I'm too weak to move the box, so be it. This needs to get done.<br />
<br />
Because, dude, I'm excited about those socks. It's the first time I've used a yarn with a colour pattern that I'm unsure about. It took me a long time to work up the nerve to wind and start knitting with this yarn. And I can't wait to see them when they're done.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-3611416679345621282011-08-10T09:13:00.000-06:002011-08-10T09:13:22.308-06:00WIP Wednesday - Dishcloths<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a Christmas gift for all the ladies in my family, I thought I would make a week's worth of dishcloths. I like working on them because they're fast, small, and I don't necessarily need to carry around a pattern. Just in the car ride to and from the mountains, I can knock off 2 or 3 of them, as long as Hubs does all the driving. So far I've made 17 of them, all in various colours. Most are a basic pattern, but I'm trying to make some picture cloths as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAuI-ft8Rxg/TkHfZU7j0HI/AAAAAAAAAMY/UJsX5ihSVLs/s1600/IMG_4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cAuI-ft8Rxg/TkHfZU7j0HI/AAAAAAAAAMY/UJsX5ihSVLs/s320/IMG_4191.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In all, I'll need 35 for gifts, 42 if I want to keep some for myself.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Knit dishcloths are fantastic. They make fantastic scrubbers due to the stitches, but are gentle on dishes and cookware.<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't tried getting 2 cloths out of one ball of cotton yet, as they seem to use just over half. But, maybe mine will be made with colourful leftovers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Head on over to </span><a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #bb2188; font-family: inherit;">Tami's Amis and Other Creations</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for other WIP Wednesday fun!</span></span></span>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-36461254843238183162011-08-07T08:00:00.000-06:002011-08-07T08:00:00.840-06:00Sundays are for Quotes(Haha, I just about typed 'Gouts')<br />
<br />
I'm attempting to start a weekly post on Sundays that will bring you quotes that (I hope) sum up the week previous.<br />
<br />
This week, in reflection of moving and unpacking:<br />
<br />
"It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing." Thomas JeffersonDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-85437872927111469042011-08-05T08:00:00.024-06:002011-08-05T08:00:05.276-06:00Friday Food - Madeleines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMGy4c43WZc/TjmS7d1k3WI/AAAAAAAAAMI/o0sEYISUbOY/s1600/IMG_4128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMGy4c43WZc/TjmS7d1k3WI/AAAAAAAAAMI/o0sEYISUbOY/s320/IMG_4128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>used to have an engineer on my team. She was a little slip of a thing, single, lived alone in a tiny apartment, and in her free time she would bake. She would bake all sorts of cookies and cakes, keeping our team and company well fed. Every now and then she would bake madeleines. I found myself walking past her office more often on those days. A couple years ago, my Mum brought me some madeleine pans from the Sur la Table store in San Diego. I finally got around to using them the other afternoon, probably as I was procrastinating from packing. M, these are for you.</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
<i><b><u>Lemon-Coconut Madeleines</u></b> - makes approximately 24<b><u><br />
</u></b></i></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><style>
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</style> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 ½ Tbsp melted butter (or more) – for greasing pans</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">3 large eggs</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">2/3 cup sugar</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 tsp lemon extract</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">¼ pound unsalted butter, melt and cool</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 cup all-purpose flour</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">¼ cup cornstarch</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">½ tsp baking powder</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">¼ tsp kosher salt</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 375F. Thoroughly grease and flour the madeleine pans. I used a brush to help get the butter in all the grooves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc05ZPSHBbY/TjmRRA3-iaI/AAAAAAAAALs/IENlCTmw8cs/s1600/IMG_4121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xc05ZPSHBbY/TjmRRA3-iaI/AAAAAAAAALs/IENlCTmw8cs/s320/IMG_4121.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Madeleine pans pre-prep</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsTHwL2Y0hs/TjmSPttdJJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3rbDeBFbf_E/s1600/IMG_4125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wsTHwL2Y0hs/TjmSPttdJJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/3rbDeBFbf_E/s320/IMG_4125.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Greased and floured</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxrn6OZE0E/TjmRumgKmzI/AAAAAAAAAL0/FVkulCVE42U/s1600/IMG_4123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5dxrn6OZE0E/TjmRumgKmzI/AAAAAAAAAL0/FVkulCVE42U/s320/IMG_4123.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 eggs</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Beat the eggs, sugar, and lemon extract on medium speed for 3 minutes in an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. The mixture should be light, yellow, and fluffy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the butter and mix.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUi538h4BFA/TjmRBniNCKI/AAAAAAAAALo/RfKVrOjlhcM/s1600/IMG_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CUi538h4BFA/TjmRBniNCKI/AAAAAAAAALo/RfKVrOjlhcM/s320/IMG_4120.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Melting butter - remember to let it cool before adding!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sift together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XU5x4aczkg/TjmQ0mmoiPI/AAAAAAAAALk/EYPSupguASk/s1600/IMG_4119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1XU5x4aczkg/TjmQ0mmoiPI/AAAAAAAAALk/EYPSupguASk/s320/IMG_4119.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Sifted dry ingredients</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stir into the egg and sugar batter with a spatula. Stir in the coconut.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8eG84gNSGE/TjmR83g8AXI/AAAAAAAAAL4/qwjdqb7q-R4/s1600/IMG_4124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8eG84gNSGE/TjmR83g8AXI/AAAAAAAAAL4/qwjdqb7q-R4/s320/IMG_4124.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Batter anyone?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">With a table spoon, drop the batter into the pans, filling each shell almost full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until they spring back when pressed. Flip the madeleines out onto a cooling rack lined with parchment paper and allow to cool.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7KGsRgeRR8/TjmSfowqgXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/NH77X5KH6gw/s1600/IMG_4126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l7KGsRgeRR8/TjmSfowqgXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/NH77X5KH6gw/s320/IMG_4126.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The first batch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">These are best served right out of the oven, as they can dry out fairly quickly. I put mine in a Tupperware as soon as they were cool, and while they did dry out a bit, I think it helped them last a day or two longer.</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOnVb-TfJAY/TjmSthyFnGI/AAAAAAAAAME/zpUEPgGQHnQ/s1600/IMG_4127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nOnVb-TfJAY/TjmSthyFnGI/AAAAAAAAAME/zpUEPgGQHnQ/s320/IMG_4127.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Up close and personal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The lemon flavour was just a hint. For stronger flavour, add some lemon zest along with the extract.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Play around with flavours. I had a thought that lime zest and coconut would make an even better pairing. Even simple vanilla would be just as mouth-watering.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Enjoy!</span></div>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-53029542480555689932011-08-03T16:15:00.000-06:002011-08-03T16:15:05.561-06:00WIP Wednesday - New Year Shawl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> On January 5th, I wound 900 metres of lace weight yarn (<a href="http://handmaiden.ca/yarn.html">Handmaiden Lace Silk</a>) and cast on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/10-in-2010-shawl">10 in 2010 shawl by Janine Le Cras</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqgRoU1DEps/TjnEroW4IdI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Wiuon3-sdUQ/s1600/IMG_3743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QqgRoU1DEps/TjnEroW4IdI/AAAAAAAAAMM/Wiuon3-sdUQ/s320/IMG_3743.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
By February 8th, I had gotten this far:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQrR1SzKbaY/TjnFHhGOxRI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/CR61Fjyp9NY/s1600/IMG_3755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TQrR1SzKbaY/TjnFHhGOxRI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/CR61Fjyp9NY/s320/IMG_3755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then, it was put aside as I worked on birthday gift after birthday gift, finished some socks, and finally got started on the prayer shawl I had signed up to make. I think the fact that it took me close to an hour just to knit two rows was a bit daunting for me. Then, about a month ago, I picked it up again. After knitting 2 shawls for my sisters-in-law, 2 pairs of socks, and 4 scarves for the men in the family, I was getting faster. Now the shawl looks like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke3HWP3D508/TjnFnFS2ljI/AAAAAAAAAMU/XAaa8hG6F4w/s1600/IMG_4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ke3HWP3D508/TjnFnFS2ljI/AAAAAAAAAMU/XAaa8hG6F4w/s320/IMG_4189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've made it through the main body chart, and the transition chart, and am on the edging chart. I am 44 rows from finishing this. <br />
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If you're interested in seeing more WIP Wednesday posts, check out <a href="http://tamisamis.blogspot.com/">Tami's Amis and Other Creations</a> for other WIP bloggers.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2953644233247874766.post-35940061802010650792011-08-01T20:20:00.000-06:002011-08-01T20:20:04.845-06:00New To UsHere she is...our 41 year old beauty. I just realized this house was built the same year my parents were married (it's their anniversary today).<br />
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We had most of the house repainted when we took possession. These pics are pre-painting. The walls are now almost exactly the same colour as the trim. In other words, goodbye mint green and mustard yellow!<br />
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Kitchen...redone in the early '90's. It's definitely in great condition, and while it's not our style in terms of decor, it's functional, well laid out, and in great working order. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have gas!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Dining Room...yay! Finally! 'Nuff said. <br />
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Family Room...a wood burning fireplace, sliding doors to the patio, large enough for the addition of a piano in the future.<br />
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Living Room...OK, living room looking in to front entry. The point is, aren't the glass doors the best? They sealed the deal for me. There's four of them in total.<br />
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Outdoors, this brick monstrosity with the chives growing out the top will hopefully be converted to a wood burning oven in the future. A lot of research will have to go into this. <br />
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The raspberries in the foreground, with a nanking cherry peeking out behind. I've already gotten a bit of a crop out the raspberries, and need to start harvesting the cherries. Jelly, here we come!<br />
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This is our McIntosh apple tree. It will be interesting to see how big the apples get. Our oldest boy is an apple fiend, and can't wait until the apples are ready to eat. <br />
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And, where the future hammock will go. We're already arguing over whether it should be a Mother's Day or Father's Day present next spring.<br />
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I hope to post more pictures as we get rooms set up and decorated. I say decorated, but I mean furniture placed and some things put out. Get ready for barely beige walls!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00835857622050548623noreply@blogger.com3