Enjoying Last Year’s Summer Goodness While Waiting for Spring Weather

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Today is the first day we have weather that resembles spring.  It is 52 degrees, sunny and oh so pretty outside.  Unfortunately, we are suppose to get about 5 inches of snow tomorrow morning.  So what do you do while waiting for the real spring weather to kick in?  I’ll tell you what we did.  We brought out all the garden seeds to see what we still need to order for this year’s garden.  We definitely need some new melon seeds and some green beans.We tentatively planned our first camping trip for the year.  My husband bought some magnifying glasses to use to start a fire while we camp.  The boys are going to love this one.  We took a family walk while the boys rode their bicycles.  I can never get enough of these moments.  And this morning, we polished off the last bit of last year’s peaches.  This makes me a little sad.  I did not can enough peaches last year.  The weather was crazy and the peach crop came in very early.  It caught me off guard.  I will not let that happen this year.  Our home canned peaches are from our Farmers’ Market.  My husband says it is like eating peach pie right out of the jar.  Never again will I can so little.

 

Last can of peaches from last year

Last jar of peaches from last year.

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Kyland enjoying the last of the peaches

Kyland enjoying the last of the peaches.

Ashton eating fruit without any threats or bribe

Ashton eating fruit without any threats or bribes.

Trying to keep up with my original commitment at the beginning of the year of finishing two projects per month, I have a report.  I finally finished the baby cardigan.  It was super easy and I am very happy with it.  The pattern I used was a free pattern from Ravelry called Newborn Vertebrae.  My very first cardigan!  Hooray!!

My first knitted cardigan. I have yet to block it.

My first knitted cardigan. I have yet to block it.

I think I may go for a really easy project to complete one more before the month is out.  I will not tell you exactly what it will be, but here’s a glimpse of the fabric.  Can you guess what it wants to be when it grows up?

Lovely Anna Maria Horner fabric

Lovely Anna Maria Horner fabric.

I hope today you are enjoying some sunshine and spending some time with loved ones.

 

 

 

Old Hobbies Ressurected

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It has been a long time, I know.  I apologize for leaving everyone hanging, particularly after the scary prenatal test.  One day before I was suppose to have further testing, a nurse called me to let me know that someone had transcribed the test results inaccurately.  My test results were completely normal and I have no greater risk for any craziness than the next person.  I promptly cancelled my next test because I had quite enough stress for one pregnancy.  As of today, all systems are running properly.  Whew!  I am very happy that is behind me.

So what have I been doing since my last post?  Lots!  There has been the homework with my boys.  Paperwork, registration, and meetings to move the boys to a new school next year.  We started looking for a new home, but that is now put on hold due to the “sequestration” of the government in their lame attempt to save money.  Who came up with that stupid term?  Sequestration?  Let’s just call a spade, a spade shall we?  It is really a forced reduction in pay for thousands of employees and sadly for some, it means they have lost their job.  I really do not care what side of the political spectrum anyone falls under.  I am not interested in blaming any side or party in particular.  Washington is failing in a very big way.  You know if they “sequestered” Congress until this problem was sorted out, they would arrive at some agreement rather quickly.  But enough of that nonsense!

Let’s talk about old hobbies that were forgotten and rediscovered.  For me, it was cross stitch.  Look what I found in one of my bins as I was cleaning.

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It was like  finding an old friend.  I have been working on it every day.  I am enjoying it so much.  I want to hang this in my kitchen when it is finished.   The pattern is from Janlynn it is called Herbal Window.

How have you been?  Have you rediscovered any old hobbies during this winter season?

 

Scary Prenatal Tests

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With my first two pregnancies, I chose not to have any prenatal screening for genetic abnormalities.  I had heard that the tests have high false positive results and I knew I would not choose abortion.  So, what was the point in having the test in the first place?  So why on earth would I choose to have a prenatal test with this pregnancy?!  I do not have a good answer.  I will admit that I was a bit curious about the advanced ultrasound that was suppose to take place.  Would it be one of those cool 3-D ultrasounds?  It wasn’t.  I had not changed my mind on abortion.  I would be keeping my baby no matter the results.  I really and truly do not have any good reason as to why I said yes this time.

When I got off work today.  I had a message from my doctor’s office to call them back.  The woman I needed to speak to would be there until 4:30 she said.  I called at 4:24 and she was not there.  When I arrived home, there was letter from the hospital with my test results.  My test was positive.  I am at an increased risk for genetic abnormalities.  I know that this is not a diagnosis, but darn it!  It does not make me feel any better.  I can’t make sense of these stupid numbers no matter how many times and different ways I Google them.

I have never wanted an amniocentesis.  The thought of a very long, thick needle being inserted into my abdomen to extract cells from my uterus does not sound too appealing to me.  Yet now, I would gladly welcome that big needle in an instant.  I do not want another blood test that could provide another set of ambiguous results that do not guarantee anything.  I just want to know what I am facing for real.

How do I feel right now?  Dazed, sad, numb, and . . .alone.  I know that I am not truly alone.  My faith in God remains.  Yet the human side of me wishes for the friend who understands.  A friend that will stand beside you and know that words are not necessary right now.  What is there to say?  All I can do is wait.

As January Draws to a Close. . .

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With only 3 days left in the month, you may be wondering if I am going to meet my goal of finishing 2 projects per month.  Well, I am only too happy to announce that one project is off the needles.  The never ending Noro Scarf is finished!!  I was and am so happy it is done.  I appreciate mindless  knitting, but there is a point where enough is enough.  I had most definitely reached the limit with this scarf.  I used 4 entire skeins of Noro Silk Garden.  Despite the deathly boredom towards the end, I am very pleased with the final result.

Noro Scarf

Noro Scarf

The baby cardigan is going to be close, but I am not scared.  The back is finished.  The sleeves will now begin.

Baby Cardigan

Baby Cardigan

Oh, in case you are wondering, the apple butter muffins were de-li-cious!  All of the remaining apple butter was used.  Not one drop was wasted.

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Have you finished a project lately?  Or have you started a new one that you are excited about?  I would love to hear all about it.

Progress is in the Air!

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Today was one of those beautiful, relaxing days.  I took the day off from work to nurse a cold and stayed indoors to knit, dream, and watch a little Downton Abbey.  Seriously, this show is awesome!  Does anyone else watch this????

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I made some wonderful progress on my knitting.  The back of the baby cardigan is nearly finished.

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The Noro Scarf seems never ending, but I am encouraged when I look at the remaining blobs of yarn to be knitted.

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I also found a very, very old cross stitch pattern I never finished.  I believe it will have to join the other projects and hopefully become one of the finished ones.  The creases look formidable, but I am sure they can be taken care of.

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I was reading a post at Thousand Island Mama, and loved Kelli’s opening line, ““Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without”.  Such a great reminder and motivator.  I hate wasting food.  I try to use up what I buy, but there are times when I forget about something and it spoils.  This drives me a little batty.  I really enjoy freshly made apple butter, but I never use it all.  I bought some apple butter last year at a fundraiser at the boys’ school.  I saw it in the refrigerator yesterday and I knew that I would never use all of it by simply spreading it on bread.  A quick search on the internet and I have decided to make some apple butter muffins.  I will let you know how they turn out.

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What did you do today?   Do you have any tasty ways of using up apple butter?

A Year of Finishing

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I hear it is a new year.  Many people are making these things called resolutions.  I, for one, have never been big on making New Year’s resolutions.  However, I do enjoy setting goals in order to maintain focus and provide direction at times.  So with this in mind. . .

The baby is due August 5th.  From this month until July, I would like to finish at least two projects a month.  The projects can be knitting, sewing, or something in the general arena.  I have a cross stitch sampler that I hope to complete sometime soon.

Let me show you a few things that are currently in the works.

First up is the Bias wrap.  I have had this one on the needles for a while.  I have never done a wrap and I am excited to see the finished product.  I fell in love with this yarn a long time ago.  I happened upon a stash of it in a yarn store near my work and bought all the remaining skeins.  It is from Cherry Tree Hill.  It’s a Glitter Alpaca in Java.  This photo does not provide much detail because it is still 3 balls of yarn short and it will most definitely need a good blocking when finished.

 

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Next up is the infamous Noro Scarf that I could not put down before the holidays.  I did stop knitting this after the holidays for a couple of weeks.  I am determined to see it to the end.

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And last, but not least, the project I am super excited about – my very first cardigan!  It is a baby cardigan.  I chose a very simple pattern to ensure success.  I cannot wait to finish this one.  It is moving very quickly.  The pattern can be found on Ravelry here.

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For January, I am placing my bets on the baby cardigan and the Noro scarf.  Do you have any goals set for the new year?  Any exciting new projects?  Do share!

Welcome to the New Spicy Homemaker!

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Hello everyone!  It’s been too long.  The dust has settled from the holidays and the knitting is taking off with a renewed energy and focus.

I have much to share, but thought I would first introduce you to my newly designed blog.  I have been eagerly awaiting this change.  The very talented Mrs. Rebecca Ritz of Bauerhaus Design is responsible for this new look.  So take a look around and tell me what you think.

I hope you are well and look forward to hearing from each and every one of you!

Garden Planning and Dreaming

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It’s coming folks!  Big plans and dreams for the garden.  Gorgeous, colorful catalogs of vegetables, fruit, and flowers waiting in my mailbox nearly everyday now.  It makes me all giddy inside with the planning for this year’s garden.  I am definitely going to try something new this year.  I have always wanted some fruit trees, but we are planning to move in a couple of years and our space is very limited.  However, we can try our hand at dwarf fruit trees planted in containers.  On my list for the year, 2 cherry trees from Miller Nurseries, and one Meyer Lemon tree from Four Winds Growers that will be brought indoor for the winter.  Yes, that’s right!  A lemon tree in my house during the winter.  I cannot stop smiling.

Cherry

Meyer Lemon Tree

Meyer Lemon Tree

This year I will try growing a different watermelon.  We have been growing the heirloom Moon and Stars watermelon and we have harvested approximately 2 watermelons a year.  They are so tasty, but we haven’t been too successful with them.  We grow them along the side of our house where they have space to spread.  The soil is getting better with each year, but it still has a ways to go.  This year’s watermelon will be the Sugar Baby from Annie’s Heirloom Seeds.  Some call it the refrigerator watermelon because it is smaller in size and can fit inside the refrigerator easily.  I may even can some pickled watermelon rinds again this year.  They are deceivingly named because they do not taste anything like a pickle, they are actually quite sweet and yummy.

Sugar Baby Watermelon

Sugar Baby Watermelon

Are you starting your garden planning yet?  Are you sitting as mesmerized as I am looking through those glossy catalogs?

First Baby Quilt

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Things around here have been exceptionally lazy for me.  I have watched more television in the past month than I have all year.  I have felt more sick than well.  My motivation for anything has been at an all time low.  How can something so small, drain the body so much?  This has been by far the toughest pregnancy for me.  My first two pregnancies were so ridiculously easy.  Eating is not a whole lot of fun.  I have actually lost a little weight.  I really miss the enjoyment of food.  But enough of me and my human incubating experience.

Let’s talk about what I have started – my very first baby quilt.  (Top photo is a little fuzzy.  I am still learning this camera of mine)  I found this adorable fabric from the Riley Blake line called the Simple Life.  I bought 5 charm packs, beautiful precut fabric!  Oh so easy!  I have taken a few quilting classes and enjoy it, but I am not inclined towards making intricate quilts that are hung on a wall and never used.   I like the simple ones that are used often.  The ones that are soft and cozy.  It’s been about a year since I have sewn a quilt, so I wanted something super easy and not too time consuming.  Enter, precut fabric and the easiest patchwork quilt out there.

After only one day, I have already learned, that not all precut fabric is cut evenly.  A few of the patches look as if someone indulged in a pitcher of margaritas before cutting the fabric.  It’s not a big deal, because I am not being too meticulous.  It’s a patchwork quilt, I have faith in its simplicity.  I am happy to be doing something productive, perfectionism is not high on the priority list at the moment.  I have also learned that dogs and cats do not respect the effort that goes into planning a quilt.  As you can tell in the top photo, all the squares are placed on the carpet, all neat and orderly, just waiting to be sewn.  Our dog, Luey, has walked on the pieces no fewer than 10 times.  Carly, our cat, has actually tried to curl up in the middle to take a little snooze.  No respect, I tell you.  Do they not realize that mama is hanging on by a thread and that it will not take a whole lot to send her back into the island of pillows, blankets, and tons of movies from the 80′s?  I want to watch Red Dawn again. Not the new knock off crap, the real thing, when Patrick Swayze was like 19  years old.  I did watch the new Footloose.  These young people today have no idea what a good movie is.  You just can’t redo Kevin Bacon.

Did I also mention that I have zero memory and am very, very easily distracted?  Speaking of movies, I did watch What to Expect When You’re Expecting.  Love the pregnant woman melt down scene.  Perhaps it is only funny to the incubating populace.  There is definitely no pregnant woman glow going on over here.  I live in pants with elastic waist bands.  Everyone tells me how tired I look.  Isn’t that sweet?  And I do not want to eat, yet if I do not eat, then I get really sick.  Do you know much it sucks to eat something while feeling as if you are going toss your cookies?

Alright, I am not exactly a ray of sunshine.  I think I am going to go watch the entire third season of the Cosby Show. . .if I don’t fall asleep first.  Oh, in case you are wondering, the last photo is of my pin cushion.  It just makes me smile.  I love every piece I have bought from Cynthia.

Turkey and Pastrami Crepes

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We have been cooking up a storm over here.  I thought we would go out to eat at least once during our vacation, but I can’t seem to stop cooking.  I dragged out an old recipe that I have not made in quite a while, Turkey and Pastrami Crepes.  The first time I made this recipe was 16 years ago.  It was written on two sticky notes until last year when I made myself sit down and type out the recipe to print and save in my cookbook.  This recipe would fall under the savory crepe category.  It’s like a glorified open faced sandwich.  Very yummy.

Turkey and Pastrami Crepes

Turkey and Pastrami Crepes

Ingredients to make Crepes

1/3 cup of flour

2/3 cup yellow corn meal

1 1/2 cup milk

2 eggs

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 tsp salt

Ingredients to place on crepes

Mayonnaise

Turkey

Lettuce

Pastrami

Swiss Cheese

Pickles

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Preheat a 6 inch or 8 inch pan.  Whisk together flour, corn meal, milk, eggs, oil, and salt.  Spray preheated pan with nonstick spray.  Pour batter into pan covering two thirds of the pan.  Tilt pan several directions until batter covers the entire bottom.  Cook for 2-3 minutes.  Turn crepe over and cook for approximately 1-2 minutes.  Place cooked crepe on a plate, stack crepes on top of each other, separate each one with a paper towel or wax paper.  The batter will make approximately 8 crepes.

Cook all crepes first before beginning this next step.  Place one crepe on a cookie sheet.  Spread mayo over the crepe.  Add turkey, lettuce, pastrami, cheese, and pickle.  Place a second crepe on top of the ingredients.  Layer the ingredients on top of second crepe in this order: mayo, turkey, lettuce, pastrami, pickles and cheese (I like the cheese to be the last ingredient for the final layer so that it will melt on top of everything.)  Bake in oven for 12-14 minutes.  Serve immediately.