Go BUCKEYES

This says it all!!! It's Half Time in the Ohio State v Michigan game. OSU is ahead 24-7. GO BUCKS!!

This is a little onesie I did for a gift.

Eye Candy

Ok. I didn't really make these this week.

2 weeks ago I was in San Antonio TX for a Project Citizen conference. LOVED the city and am ready to go back to the Riverwalk anytime! (Yes. I've already lost the 5 lbs. I gained)

Came home from TX last Monday and I had carpal tunnel surgery on Thursday. I really haven't been doing much except reading numerous books on my new Kindle. (Kindle came while I was away...Parker read 2 books on it before I even saw it)

But. I did make these wonderful scones several weeks ago. I was watching a cooking show (think it was Public TV) and tried the recipe/technique. Absolutely wonderful. I've made them twice and will definitely put them on my 'frequent' list. Here's my tweeked recipe.

Blueberry Scones

8 Tbsp. unsalted COLD butter + 2 Tbsp.

1-1/2 c. FRESH blueberries (about 7-1/2 oz.)

1/2 c. whole milk

1/2 c. sour cream

2 c. unbleached flour (10 oz. if you weigh/measure your flour) + additional for work surface

1/2 c. sugar + 1 Tbsp. for sprinkling

2 tsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Adjust oven rack to middle position.

Preheat to 425

Grate butter, using largest holes on box grater. Place grated butter in freezer until needed.

Melt 2 Tbsp. remaining butter and set aside.

Place blueberries in freezer until needed. (do NOT freeze blueberries until this point or they'll get too watery/juicy)

Whisk together milk & sour cream in medium bowl; refrigerate until needed.

Whisk flour, 1/2 c. sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt & zest in medium bowl.

Add frozen butter to four mixture and toss with fingers until thoroughly coated.

Add milk mixture to flour mixture; fold with spatula until just combinded.

With rubber spatula, transfer dough to liberally floured work surface. Dust surface of dough with flour. With floured hands, knead dough 6-8 times, until it just holds together in ragged ball, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.

Roll dough into approximate 12-inch square

Fold dough into thirds, using bench scraper or metal spatula to release dough if it sticks to work surface. Lift short ends of dough and fold into thirds again to form approximate 4-inch square. (this is essentially the technique you'd use for puff pastry)

Transfer dough to plate lightly dusted with flour and chill in freezer for 5 minutes.

Transfer dough to floured work surface and roll into 12-inch square again.

Sprinkle blueberries evenly over surface of dough, the PRESS down so they are sligyhtly embedded in dough.

Using scraper, loosen dough from work surface. ROLL dough, pressing to form a tight log.

Lay seam-side down and press log into 12 by 4-inch rectangle.

Using sharp, floured knife, cut rectangle crosswise into 4 equal rectangles.

Cut each rectangle diagonally to form 2 triangles (OR cut again to form 4 smaller triangles); transfer onto baking stone (or parchment lined baking sheet).

Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining Tbps. sugar.

Bake until tops and bottoms are golden brown, 18-25 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Frosting:

I just used a simple butter frosting and drizzled it over the top.

I know it looks like a long, complicated recipe. Believe me... it's not. Worth the little effort it takes for the absolutely yummy taste.

Hope you enjoy!!

...now it's time to quit typing and give my wrist a break.

Another KAL

Well...I've started another mystery KAL (knit-a-long) on Ravelry. I know, just what I need is another knitting project. But it's just so much fun!

This is just after the first clue. I'm using this. The colorway, Chimney, is no longer available. I'm really liking how the color is pooling. I didn't plan the red to be 'finished' after the first section, it just happened that way. I'm more than ready for my next clue on Wednesday:-)

I bought the yarn months ago simply for the fact that is was (kind of) Ohio State Colors. My plan was maybe several pair of socks or a baby sweater out of it. I'm sure once this shawlette is done, I'll have enough left for either 1 pair of socks or a maybe a baby sweater. (yes...I bought plenty!

Lobsters/Car Purchase

Look what we had for dinner tonight! Bill saw an article in the Columbus Dispatch about this guy in Mt. Vernon (Ohio) who drives to Maine every couple of weeks and brings back 500 lbs. of fresh lobster to sell.

So...off he went today and brought back dinner. It was quite tasty. Marshall came over to join us. Since he didn't answer his phone today to tell us if he was joining us, he ended up with a small one. The other small is cooked, cleaned and ready for a lobster roll for Parker tomorrow. (the bigger 2 were 2-1/2 lbs. each and the smaller ones were 1-1/4 lb.)

Kendra decided on a car today. Boy, was she fast!! When she decides on something, she takes action. She'd done her homework, got advise/suggestions from her main squeeze and headed out to do some test driving. She was quite funny when we got out of the Mini Cooper, which she's drooled over for years. She immediately said, "Well, that's now OFF my bucket-list!"

She ended up getting the 1st car she test drove. A Honda Insight (hybrid). She didn't get it to be green, she got it because she liked the features...hatchback for her pooch and bike. Plus, they can get leather seats for her (that's for the pooch). And...she said it was more of a 'grown up' car than the others she was thinking about. She should take delivery either Monday or Tuesday (they want it on their books this month!) The salesman was ordering the leather for the seats today. As soon as that comes in, they'll give her a 'loaner' for a few days while they re-cover the seats. She's one happy person! BTW - She's had her current car (1998 Mercury Tracer) for 13 years. Got her through high school, college + 6 years post graduation. Boy was that a great investment on our part:-)

Off to watch the Chicago Indy car race. Go Team Penske. Even though I'm in love with Helio Castroneves, I hope Will Power takes the win to really give himself a bigger lead in the points.

Car Shopping

Just a quick not to say I went 'car shopping' with Kendra yesterday and we're going again today. She's had the same car since shortly after she started driving.

...my little girl is all grown up and getting a new car!! Hopefully, she'll let me take a picture of her and her new 'toy' once she makes a decision and purchase.

Sure is fun helping someone else spend $$ on a car!!!

Going Green

Thanks Jan for sharing this so I could have another addiction! I now have 4 great (pretty) bags to take shopping with me. Sure is nice not having to deal with those plastic grocery bags any more!!

Latest...and Next

Here's the fabric I purchased for Parker's quilt. He wanted green, and green it is! Can't wait to get it made and put in his 'new' room. Should go great with the curtains that will be 'McGyvered' from tab panels and the fabric for his bed skirt and shams.

Here's a little something I threw together. Even though it doesn't look it, it's SQUARE...optical illusion I guess. The front is made entirely of fat quarters that have been resting patiently for some time now...waiting for the perfect project. The yellow was more than a fat quarter and that was also used for the backing/binding.

Yummy...

Look what I found at the Farmer's Market!! Those absolutely yummy peas, along with some fresh broccoli (also found at the FM), went great with flank steak and salad for dinner last night. Unfortunately, we each only had a baby size serving...I had to share!

Carpet at LAST

We are finally getting our carpet next week! Hooray!! That means this week will be spent getting ready. Bookcases need emptied, bedrooms need emptied, living & dining room furniture needs stashed in the family room & kitchen eating area. Who knows...we'll probably have to put stuff in a bathroom or two!! Monday will be 2 bedrooms, hall, stairs, living & dining rooms. Then Thursday is the other 2 bedrooms.

So...before everything is moving back, baseboards & windows will be getting cleaned. It will be soooo nice to have new carpet AND a completely clean home!!

Not much in the sewing/knitting area done last week. My Mother's in the hospital and I've made several 2 hour trips to visit.

This past weekend brought TNNA to Columbus. Kendra & I met up with a ravelry friend for dinner Saturday. (she went with several on Friday night and went to an event with them) Then yesterday we headed back to the convention center and 'helped' a ravelry friend (who owns a yarn shop) by standing in line to get books signed by the authors. Lunch again with Jess. It was really great to finally put a 'real' face on them.

I did purchase fabric for Parker's quilt last week. Unfortunately, it's still sitting there uncut. At this point I think I'll wait until my new studio is put together to start on it.

It's Done

I got Darby's Couch Quilt done yesterday. The picture is on my chair but it will work perfectly for Darby's 'side' of the couch. Kendra's excited to get rid of the big (ugly, cheap) quilt she's been using.

Lemon Drop Martinis

I had a friend over for dinner tonight and we had such a good time! She's got me hooked on Lemon Drop Martinis. She brought the vodka & I supplied the lemons and sugar (we even had one with lime...yummm). Finish that off with an arugula salad, salmon and broccoli and it was a very tasty dinner. My 3 guys all went to an out of town Masonic meeting and won't be home till late. It was nice to have the house to myself for an evening!!

Earlier in the day I did the machine quilting on the little purple quilt I put together several weeks ago. I never did get my hands on a quilt foot so I just used my walking foot (which I'm in love with by the way). I stitched almost all the binding while catching up on some dvr watching. I also got the binding on the blue Rail Fence quilt from an earler post. I'm hoping to get that binding hand stitched tomorrow, then I'll post pictures of both.

Ok...I lied

1 more post today.

I dug this fabric out, which I've had for years and have no clue when/where I bought it. I wasn't sure about the stripe while cutting and making the strips, but now I LOVE it! Split Rail is one of my favorite baby quilt patterns. The stripe gives an otherwise pastel, traditional baby quilt a little 'punch'. Still no quilt foot so planning on stitching the blocks together tomorrow.

...one more thing

I forgot to post this cute picture of Miss Darby in the pool on Saturday. Seems she doesn't really care that the water temperature is only in the mid 60's. burrrr

Had to Share

I just had to share my dearly departed Mother-in-Law's cole slaw dressing. I had to make a batch so the guys could take it to their Masonic meeting tonight (to go with the pulled pork that smoked all night...yummm) It's the best. It's rather sweet (she put sugar in everything) and does not do well to mix ahead of time.

Here it is:
Cole Slaw
2-1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. sour cream
green cabbage, shredded
carrots, finely shredded/chopped
onion, finely chopped
green pepper, finely chopped

Mix all ingredients well. Store in a glass jar in refrig. (keeps for a LONG time)
**This recipe does not do well to pre-mix the slaw ahead of time.

I've been busy...

It's done!!! The deck curtain is done & looks great with the new awnings & cleaned/washed deck. We can now enjoy being outside without the sun in out faces . The fabric was bought at my local Jo Ann Fabric. I must admit, it looks better than the picture. But...it's quite lovely even if I must say so myself.

After much deliberation, I went with the purple border on this baby quilt. The (stash) fabric is from some fat quarters that I picked up on my travels with my friend Olga. Yesterday I got it all sandwiched together and was ready for my first (attempt at) free motion quilting. I went to get my quilt foot for my machine...couldn't find it. Damn. Guess I packed away everything from my studio too well. Carpet's not being installed until the first week in June so it will be awhile before I can get to it. Unless. My dear sis Susie lets me borrow her quilt foot. It would mean a 2 hr. drive each way, but I'd get to see her in addition to being able to work on it quicker.

I got the blocks done for a 'swap' I'm in. All I have to do is sign my name on the white fabric on all 100 blocks! They're not due until July 1 so I'm way ahead of schedule. pats self on back

This fabric is Verno by Kate Spain for moda.

Room Update

We've decided on new carpet in all the bedrooms (hoping for living/dining room, too). Moved all my sewing paraphernalia into our guest room and painted last Sunday. Everything's on hold while we wait for the carpet. Got one estimate yesterday and other is coming in today.

So...I might have to move one of my machines onto the dining room table so I can get some things done IF I can get to it. Everything's neatly put in the guest room, but it's a matter of not killing myself on my search.

Today is deck cleaning day. First it was way too cold to do it, then the rains came. I'm willing to help get it done so I can get my curtain panel up and have the deck finished. THEN I'll post pictures.

My travel buddy & I decided we 'needed' another trip and are planning to go to Indianapolis when she's on break between quarters from school next month. This will be a mid-week trip and only 1 night. Even though we just went in March, I guess this will make up for not going last year. I've never had a 'project' in the making on any of our trips, whether it was knitting or sewing/quilting. THIS time I plan to have a specific project in mind. Last time we were there we hit some really great quilt shops and will probably focus on that rather than yarn shops.

...off to drag a sewing machine downstairs to get some sewing done before we start on the deck.

May Already?

Yes. It's May already. Woke up at 4:30 to thunderstorms and rain coming in the window. After closing the window, then a potty trip...I couldn't get back to sleep. So downstairs I went and got caught up on some dvr watching.

This week was productive. We decided to replace the awning on our deck. Bill & Parker torn apart the old one and Bill & I headed to Jo Ann Fabric for some outdoor fabric. We also have a curtain on the west side of our deck so we can actually eat dinner outside without the sun killing us. We found some really neat lime(ish) green stripe for the awning and coordinating fabric for the curtain panel. They're done, ready to put up...but it's been raining ever since! Hopefully in a couple of days we can get them up and I can get some pictures taken and posted.

This week Parker & I are starting our 'room switch'. I'm clearing out my current design studio (aka sewing room) and painting. Then we're moving all Parker's stuff in it. THEN I get to paint his old bedroom and re-organize all my sewing tables, machines, plastic containers, etc. I've pretty much decided now is the time to replace the carpet in both rooms, while they're empty...now to tell Bill about it!

Time for lunch.

Winter is Here!

This is what we woke up to on Saturday. It was soooo pretty. It started Friday morning and continued until Sunday. Our first shoveling was about 8" and then shoveled another 4-5" later. Parker said it was the snow kids dream about for the perfect snowman.

We had Darby over the weekend and she really loved playing in the white stuff. She tried to 'climb' on top of the snow, but to no avail. She didn't even mind the iceballs she got on her legs every time she went out to play. And she was such a help shoveling...until 'Grandpa' accidently met the shovel with her jaw. After that, she just supervised form the porch...at least when there were shovels in sight.

Our first 2 weeks of the new year took us to Florida and Alabama to visit Bill's sister Jan (FL) and my sister Jo (AL). It was a very relaxing trip and we really didn't do much, which was fine with us. We drove the entire way to Florida in one day (almost 18 hours) and over 1,000 miles! Boy, were we ready to get out of the car. But...we listened to an entire book and I got the back and both fronts of a cardigan done on that leg of the trip. On the trip from Fl to AL , I 'frogged' a cowl and made a scarf. On the final leg home, we listened to another book and I started on the sleeves to my sweater. S0...it was a very productive ride for me since Bill always seems to do all the driving.

The week after we got home, I ended up at Urgent Care to find out I had pneumonia in my lower left lung. That had me home-bound for a week with many naps and drugs. I could have left the house sooner, but it was so cold that week, I just didn't feel like breathing that cold air when I didn't have to. I didn't realize it would take that long to recover from pneumonia! Or how weak I'd be. Sure hope that never happens again.

...another storm is on the way and they're predicting another 8-12 inches of the white stuff. It's always nice to have 'fresh CLEAN' snow cover the dirty stuff. I went to the grocery today, made a big pot of chicken soup, so we're good to get snowed in...again.