Winter Foliage

Monday Soundtrack

2009-11-09T00:14:00.004-05:00

I love this song, and it's great for kick-starting a busy week. Here's to hoping this week is as productive and balanced as last. Some of my crafty projects from last week are after the video. enjoy*

I'm so happy with this scarf::

It's the mustard scarf{ravelry link} by Jane Richmond. The pattern itself fulfills a general idea that I've been trying to find - a short scarf or cowl that's bulky but airy. If that makes sense...I have an idea for another version that I want to try out and then I think it's time to be done with knitting for myself {ETA: as soon as I finish up those knee socks and add a pompom to my new winter hat!} and on to knitting for gift giving!

And what thrills me just as much as the pattern is the yarn I used. This is some Nature Wool that I bought a couple of years ago at Article Pract. It's a variegated combination of shades of green and greenish yellow. I bought three skeins and then they sat in my knitting basket "looking ugly". So I thought that I'd use one skein for this project and then die it after I was finished knitting, but as soon as I put it around my neck, my affection for this color returned. So experimenting with dying will have to wait for another day.

And, the Christmas crafting has fully begun! I'm working on some new edible and drinkable treats. This is the first phase of limoncello making, letting the zest soak in the vodka::

And after one night, the vodka had already turned a brilliant yellow!::

Nature all the way.*

2009-11-04T23:55:00.007-05:00

So I have a minor re-use/re-new project to share, and it made me think about how if I had to pick a side {Nature vs. Technology}, I'm going Nature all the way. But we'll get back to that.

A week or so after moving into my new place, I found this lovely item out with the neighbor's trash:
It's a small desk, just the size I was looking for to go in my small room. Something big enough for my computer {or two, but we'll get back to that} or sewing machine, but not so big that it's in the way.

As I saw it, the top of the desk looked beautiful, there was nothing wrong with the finish or the wood. The legs, they were a different story, it still seems funny to me that this top was paired with such rickety legs. But really, a new paint job would hide so much of the juxtaposition between the two and no one would be the wiser.

So, a new coat of paint and this is what I have: Although, you'll notice that the desk is missing a drawer, but I was thinking of just putting a bottom where the drawer should be and using it as a little shelf or opening to store papers in, no drawer necessary.

And in that last picture, it almost looks like I have two fully functioning computers? The picture lies. To write this blog post, I had to upload pictures from the mac on the right (the one set up to sync with my camera... the camera which only works with a fresh set of batteries.... which only takes one picture before it turns off because it's out of batteries... that camera). After pictures are uploaded, I move over to the computer on left, the one with a full set of functioning keys, to write the post (maybe you're wishing at this point that I didn't write and just stuck with the pictures?, maybe you're not on my team?). But then, say I were going to share this blog post with you through a projector? It's back to computer #1 (no lie), because computer #2 wants nothing to do with projectors, and immediately freezes in the limelight. Fun times.

BUT I still have a functioning ipod, and I still love it. It's the beautiful wooden desk top to that set of warn and weary desk legs.

While technology has puttered out on me, fall in New England keeps piling on the charm. Nature, you win.

Here are some pictures (with the f'in camera) from a hike two weekends ago in New Hampshire:

Next up, some new knitting & the start of the Christmas gifts!

*Full Disclosure - The author and a stray cup of coffee may be responsible for the keys on computer #1 not working, but they take no responsibility for the G.D. camera.

Soundtrack Monday

2009-11-02T09:35:00.003-05:00

This might be a repeat? I can't remember. I'm going to spend the rest of the day trying to whistle. enjoy*

And stay tuned, there's lots of fun little projects sprouting up around here... I promise.

Get out your pots and pans ~

2009-10-27T22:01:00.005-04:00

I have a treat for you!

Roasted Squash and Beet Soup {it's a fan-freaking-tastic new recipe I developed over the weekend}

ETA - for the perfect Halloween meal, serve this with a side of Meat Hand, and you can thank Nik for passing that along!

Ingredients:
-1 medium butternut squash
-1 bunch golden beets (6, give or take)
-beet greens ~ remember to pick beets with greens and save them when prepping the beets
-1 medium onion, diced
-2 large carrots, diced
-2 cups potatoes, diced
-6 cups stock, vegetable* or chicken (I didn't really measure, so use your best judgement)
-1/3 cup olive oil, and a little extra
-3 large garlic cloves, crushed

Roast the squash and beets:
Cut the squash in half and remove seeds. Peel and dice the beets. Cover a cookie sheet with some olive oil, place the squash cut-side down. Drizzle the beets with olive oil and a sprinkling of salt, place them on the cookie sheet with the squash.
Roast at 425 until the veggies are soft and the beets are slightly browned, stirring the beets to help them brown evenly.

Soup:
Saute the carrots and onions in a 1/3 cup olive (use more or less to meet your needs) until the onions are clear. Add the potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil. Add the roasted beets and squash. Let simmer until all veggies are fully cooked.

Take soup of the heat, and blend in batches in the food processor. Remember to use caution when whirling hot liquids.

Beet Greens Garnish:
Saute the crushed garlic in olive oil, being careful not to let it burn. I find that adding a little more oil than I think is necessary, and keeping the heat a little lower than I expect helps to keep the garlic from burning. Wash and chop the greens, allowing excess water to remain on the leaves to help the steaming process. Add to the pan and cover to let the greens steam, adding a little more water if necessary.

Serve the soup with a garnish of greens. Enjoy*

*I have a new brand of veg bouillon that I really love, next time I'll remember to share the details.

Monday Soundtrack

2009-10-26T10:11:00.003-04:00

I love this song, you might recognize it because the Dixie Chicks made it popular {and their video for it is a bit scary}. It's a sad one, but a good one. enjoy*

Baby Knits

2009-10-21T10:02:00.006-04:00

As Nik mentioned, we had a fun, relaxing craft weekend about a week ago. My goals for the weekend were minimal (some knitting, some sewing), and really, all I did was this*:
A set of baby booties to match the baby sweater that I started back in August. That's EZ's February baby sweater in Lorna's Laces with a matching pair of Saartje's booties - that link takes you directly to a PDF of the pattern.
Both were well received at a baby shower last weekend!

*But I'm definitely not complaining for all the crafting I didn't do, there sure was a lot of visiting that doesn't get done often enough!

Monday Soundtrack

2009-10-19T13:22:00.003-04:00

This song has been on repeat all weekend, so it's only right that I share it with you::
Soldier by Ingrid Michaelson

I was lucky enough to be at the Boston show where this video was taped. It was a great show and she's definitely worth seeing in person. yay!
enjoy*

Fall Preparations, Part III

2009-10-17T13:15:00.005-04:00

Go Outside!!

Stop by the local, homemade ice cream shop for a combo pint of Pumpkin Custard & Maple Walnut. YUM.
Stock up on veggies from the market for a week of fall meals {cabbage, leeks, beets...}
And of course, for some extra flare*, plant the mums:

Fall Preparations, Part II

2009-10-08T23:20:00.005-04:00

New fall hat? check::
Fall knitting? workin' on it::
Fall meal of the week? Leek, spinach and tomato quiche::
...and yes, there's been some candy corn.

This weekend it's Craftapolooza '09. I'll be rockin' the knitting & sewing.

Monday Soundtrack

2009-10-05T11:28:00.000-04:00

Keeping with the autumn theme, enjoy*

Fall Preparations, Part I

2009-10-02T00:44:00.006-04:00

Step 1:: Move in with three cuddly cats {the top one's my buddy}

Step 2:: Finish up a new pair of socks

Step 3:: Start cooking {and remember that food is so hard to photograph}
Meal #1: Collards and such
For fun, here's the plan, in my plain jane, probably not correct use of cooking terms, but you get the idea ~
Saute 1 leek in olive oil until soft, but not browned. Add one carrot & one sweet potato, cooking at medium to low heat with a lid on to keep the steam in, but still not browning the leek. Add some water if necessary to keep things moist, but really not too wet, just not sticking to the bottom of the pan. I then added a spice mixture of equal parts juniper berries, whole cloves, coriander, cardamom, and dried rosemary that I ground together with a mortar and pestle.

After that mix cooked for a few minutes, I added the rinsed and coarsely chopped collards - with the water from rinsing still on them to help the steaming process.

Once the greens were steamed and the potatoes & carrots were soft, I served this over brown rice, topped with some herbed goat cheese. Thus the lovely picture you see above.

Meal #2: Bok Choy, Eggplant, and Tomatoes

Again, start off with a leek, softened, but not browned, in olive oil {there's a pattern}. Add the eggplant and chopped tomatoes. At this point, I generously salted everything and added two dashes of balsamic vinegar. Let this cook for a little while with the lid on, or off, depending upon your moisture levels. Once the eggplant is mostly done, add the bok choy {again, with some water to help the steaming process}. Once the bok choy was steamed, I added soy sauce {about two times the amount of vinegar}. Serve over rice, and smile.

Happy October!

Monday Soundtrack {for mom*}

2009-09-28T10:17:00.003-04:00

I wanted to post Hall & Oates' Another Fall in Philadelphia, but it's so hard to find. You can listen to it here if you click on the black "play" button on the right of the screen.

And for your viewing pleasure, some views from the plane on my last couple of flights::

*and all of the Philly siblings*

Friday Soundtrack!

2009-09-25T08:38:00.002-04:00

A fun song to start your weekend!

Enjoy*

woohoo for pumpkins!

2009-09-22T02:06:00.005-04:00

...and all things fall on this first day of the new season.

I took a quick trip to Colorado where the aspens are in their full, golden glory::

Back in Boston, I'm welcoming in the new season with some new-to-me used boots::
Behind the scenes I'm still knitting away at a pair of knee socks to be worn during boot season.

Here's a clearer picture of my new sweater, which is perfect for keeping the brisk fall air at bay::

The skinny on this knit: US 10 needles, and 1 skein of Eco wool! Buttons ~ taken from some old, rarely worn projects.

And finally, I celebrated the season a bit early last week with this delicious pumpkin risotto; made with a pumpkin from pop's garden. So easy to make. yum!

Some Links

2009-09-15T02:06:00.004-04:00

I wasn't ready to post a song yesterday, because the only song rolling around in my head fits better on a Friday. You'll hear it soon.

There are other things worth sharing.

It's electric::
Along with sun flares, I've been building up a collection of power lines...

Words::
Like this poem. I mostly read, but sometimes listen to the Writer's Almanac everyday. I think it's so much better when listened to, but it's always good to practice reading a poem now and then. Anywho, today's poem was by Barbara Ras, and now I'm really liking her work.

Stitches!::
This awesome pattern was published a little while ago, and I've been meaning to mention it here. It's WinterFoliage! Of course, I wish I came up with it, but I'm going to have to settle for making some of my own... this may be the start of a whole new craft around here!

Knitting?::
Well, the pictures are questionable, but I did finish another item last week. This is a new Shalom{*cough*potato pancake*cough*} sweater, and once I have better pictures I'll tell you more about this one and my first, unsuccessful pancake.

And finally, after the news about Patrick Swazye hit, how could I not refer you to a little bit of music/dance super-star inspiration.

Monday Soundtrack

2009-09-07T10:52:00.000-04:00

It seems like May was so long ago! My summer started with a bang:: moving, sister's graduation, Springsteen Concert, then off and traveling until I finally settled in a new place this past week. Since the summer's coming to a close, I thought it'd be great to end it as it began.

Bruce played this song at the end of his concert in May. I love it. enjoy*

Oh, look, a finished knit!

2009-09-05T12:02:00.003-04:00

I thought I'd give you two for one, my blocked pinwheel and some final pictures of the new Oakland place {for those interested in that sort of thing}...

Check this out::It's the pinwheel back. And if you look to the right, do you see C sitting in the apartment? He's sitting in front of these windows that provide a lovely view of the Oakland skyline:: We've been enjoying the lights of the city at night.

Here's the sweater front::

And if I turn the camera around, I get this picture::

That's the inside courtyard of the building. The pool has become quite the gathering place for people in the building. Whenever the weather's nice, you can count on a few people hanging out by the pool.

And for the grand finale, I'm using a nail to close my pinwheel!::

I didn't make buttonholes because I was thinking I wanted something more interesting than a button, and when I saw this laying on a workbench, the sweater was complete!

A few more notes on the sweater::
~ it's super easy!
- I used Lion Brand fisherman wool, and the whole sweater cost $16!
~ I'll definitely use that yarn again, I'm even thinking of starting a new sweater with it soon... we'll see.
~ I also love the pinwheel pattern, it is super easy, and easily adjustable to any body size and any amount of extra comfy bulk that you desire. I leaned towards a smaller, fitter version, but I do see that most people like to make this a bit bigger for snuggling.

Monday Soundtrack

2009-08-31T14:34:00.005-04:00

Hello from the Salt Lake City Airport! I had to pick a song that was appropriate for my long day of travel...

This past week was full of sun, more sun than I've ever experienced in the Bay Area.

It was the perfect weather for wearing my Orangina sweater::I've realized that I'm knitting much more than I'm wearing, so my goal for the fall is to start wearing all of these sweaters! Particularly since there are a few more sweater patterns that I can't wait to start.

But today's traveling calls for some socks::I've started a pair of simple knee socks that I'm hoping to wear this fall/winter with my boots!

Holy Cannoli

2009-08-27T14:54:00.008-04:00

This post is the definition of hodgepodge.

I was about to move on from the beach pictures, but I plugged in my camera and found a few more worth sharing!

Love::

The hazy sunset from our last day at on the beach::

After the beach, I was home for a day. This summer seems to be flying by, but in the moments when I run into a summer fur ball::

... or sit down to a meal of fresh-from-the-garden veggies:: I remember that summer's still here for a little while!

Sometime in July I finished my adult pinwheel sweater, but I never blocked it, so I took it to the beach with me, with high hopes of blocking. That didn't happen, so I stuffed it into my luggage and brought it west. All it took were a couple of cool, Bay Area evenings to motivate the blocking, and I'm so happy with the finished product... this picture isn't great, but I'll take some good ones soon::

And what's that behind me? Our new digs in Oakland! C moved to Jack London Square, a fine, up-and-coming neighborhood that's full of character. The neighborhood has old, abandoned factories that are being turned into lofts and condos. Here's the only picture I have at the moment, but we'll spruce this place up and I'll take some more soon!

As for today? I'm off to San Fran to meet up with a friend at Samovar, followed by a stop at the Curiosity Shoppe!

Monday Soundtrack

2009-08-24T12:45:00.003-04:00

Wow, it's been a busy week around here, and I've switched coasts again, but I couldn't pass up this week's Monday Sountrack. It was about a year ago that Palin/McCain united. So in remembering that fiasco and in hopes of some bit of health care for all, I give you this week's song: click here.

Unfortunately I couldn't embed the video, but I can meet your request for a few more beach pictures!

Monday Soundtrack

2009-08-17T17:11:00.004-04:00

Today's song:: Oh My Sweet Carolina
Artist:: Ryan Adams {with Emmylou Harris accompanying}, another new-to-me artist that I found through Pandora.

Unfortunately, the video isn't exciting, but I really wanted to share this version of the song.

And, we have to end with a few more pictures from the beach.

Fishing, after the fish is caught::
Cormorant drying its wings::
Flaring sunset::

Beach Fun

2009-08-15T00:59:00.004-04:00

We're enjoying a relaxing week at the beach, full of sunny days for swimming and windy days for sailing, and even some stolen moments for knitting. That's when we're not running away from mosquitoes and exploring the island.

I started a new February Baby sweater for a little one coming this fall::Beach Knitting Tip 'o the day ~ when you forget your scrap yarn and needle, earphones are a great substitute.

And of course, while the sun's out, there are flares to capture::

Monday Soundtrack

2009-08-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

It's beach week here at WinterFoliage, so I give you Atlantic City::

No, it's not Bruce, it's Matt Kearny. I found a bunch of great Bruce covers on the E Street website. Click here to see a bunch more. I'm partial to all of the ladies singing Bruce, what do you think?

Knitting {not mine!}

2009-08-08T11:16:00.007-04:00

We finally have some blue skies in Boston!

That said, I left town last night and won't be back for a couple of weeks, keep your fingers crossed that these blue skies morph into a beautiful fall when I return.

I took advantage of our week of summer by taking a few meandering bike rides. While in South Boston I found this!::

Can you tell what it is? It's a bike rack that's been decorated with a string of knitted flower garland. How awesome?!

I took a few more shots, and found the creators::

Enjoy your weekend, I hope it's sunny where you are!

Monday Soundtrack

2009-08-03T09:39:00.003-04:00

My new fave is Josh Ritter. I saw him live about five years ago with Erin McKeown, but I've only really started to listen to him more through Pandora. ETA - I bought one of his albums before leaving the house this morning so that I could listen on the subway. yay!

When I listen to this one, the first line runs through my head all day {...Peter said to Paul...} Enjoy*

And next week? By this time I should finally be on the beach! So I'll be sure to find some good, sandy music.