Happy Happy 2009

Of course we forgot to take a picture of the floor before, but just picture crappy linoleum.

Today I put aside crafty plans and helped Tim install a new floor in one of the bathrooms.  We are going to put the same flooring in our bathroom too.

Today is New Year’s Day which means that 9 years ago I had my first date with Tim and he made me grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches and we drank rum and cokes with his roomates at his place on Prow. We had grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches again today.  I’m a little tired, but couldn’t be happier.

I wish everyone a healthy, happy and hopeful 2009.

Poppy Seed Cookies

I probably only bake about 6-7 times a year.  I think so far this year, I maybe made rhubarb crumble, gingerbread, persimmion pudding, banana muffins and, well, that’s probably it.  Baking is so needy.  You have to measure and time things exactly right.  I feel like its all a big test and I haven’t really studied, so its, you know, hard.  Enter freezer cookies.  Easy!  Well, except for the part where I wasn’t entirely sure when they were done and at the 12 minutes the recipe said, they were still raw.  Anywho, Almond Poppy Seed Ice Box cookies are off to tomorrow’s work pitch-in.

Also?  I am reading my first manga.  Death Note.

3 Day Weekend

Every weekend should be a three day weekend.  My holiday shopping is 99% done, I finally figured out the purple fabric situation that was plaguing a future queen sized quilt, cut said fabric, wrapped presents, shipped packages, made cookie dough, watch 2 movies, did laundry, talked on the phone to friends and was able to visit Abby in Indy and hang with her two cute little girls.

Of course now I am looking at a 6 day week, but it was worth it!

Thanksgiving 2008

The wool slippers I made last year have bitten the dust.  To be replaced by the new and improved versions with more batting and a higher cuff.  Unfortunately they are also not as cute.  But that is the price you pay for warm feets.

This Thanksgiving has been nice and quiet, exactly what I needed.  After a leisurly morning, I prepped some food and then Tim and I went for a walk in Lower Cascades Park before full on dinner preperations began.  We had deviled eggs, spinach salad, grilled portabello mushrooms, mashed potatoes, green beans and gingerbread with homemade whipped cream for dessert.  Delicious!

This year, like every year, I am thankful for such wonderful friends and family.  Thank you.  For everything.

Very Late

A quilt for Mom for Mother’s Day, very late, but will be delivered in person tonight!  I am looking forward to my week in Colorado with good food, book talks, wine, family, mountains and sleeping in.

I voted on October 17th, but watching the news all day today.  Looks like long lines in VA and a few other places.  Hope everyone who is voting today has a good experience.  My fingers are crossed for Obama, I feel like we are so close.

Autumn

This fall isn’t as pretty as last year, mostly because its been so dry lately.  The weather has been lovely though, so can’t compain too much.

Working on getting two quilts ready to hang in the upcoming Bloomington Quilters’ Guild show, which means sewing a sleeve on them.  Something I’ve never done before, and because it involves hand sewing, something I am dreading.  Where’s Mom when you need her?

I also made a half assed attempt for my teen anime club tonight by purchasing some vampire teeth.  And?  They don’t fit at all.  They are also made in China, so its probably a good thing as they might kill me anyway.  I did buy apples and caramel dip though.

Low Countries

Returned last night from our two week trip to the Low Countries.  Together with Andrew, we hit 10 cities in three countries: Brussels, Luxembourg City, Brugges, Ghent, Oostend, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag and Delft.  We met up with Brad and Sarah in Amsterdam too.  We had a grand time, ate sea food, frites with mayo, tostis with kaas, omlettes, pancakes, waffles, croissants and drank lots of sweet sweet Belgian beer.

We are working on uploading photos, so check the flickr throughout the week.  Wishing the trip could be longer, but happy to be back!  Loki missed us, but was well taken care of.

And, welcome to the world Malcolm!

At the Fair

I worked the library booth at the Monroe County Fair this past week and got to walk around for a little bit and take it all in.  I am a total city/suburban girl at heart when it comes to this stuff!  I checked out the animals, and stumbled on the livestock auction.  Surprisingly, some people were buying pigs, goats and cows as a gift to local community kitchens and other hot-plate charities.  Who knew!  As interested in food as I am, I always learn new things about the cycle of land to plate.  Living in Indiana brings all that closer than I knew.

Also?  Looking at these has got me thinking….

Peachy

Does it make me a horrible person that I sometimes forget what fab kitchen implements I actually own? Like an ice cream maker? Earlier this week, I made green tea ice cream for a program at the library and it was delicious and a big hit. The same night I realized I had a bag full of fresh peaches from the farmer’s market. What to do? Make ice cream! Well, actually sorbet. So I peeled and blended on Monday and made this today, Wednesday. And while it was quite good, I can’t help thinking that it tasted a little, well, like old peaches. Next time I’ll peel, blend and freeze all in the same day.

1.2 million dollars later, our BelNeLux rail passes are purchased! Low countries here we come. Too bad this looks a little complicated, and possibly sold out, the lineup looks fantastic!

Tuesdays

On the first Tuesday of the month, I usually have quilt guild.  Then on the second and third Tuesdays I have teen programs at the library (book discussion and anime club).  So its easy enough to say that my Tuesday nights are pretty wrapped up.  My city decided to add a mid-week early evening Farmer’s Market at the Westside Bloomingfoods that I walk by every single day (or ride, as of late) on my way home from work.  Guess what night they picked?  Yep.  Tuesday.  So I can almost never go!  Tonight, however I was free!  It was pretty quiet and although my favorite tomato guys weren’t there, I scored some beans and fresh eggs.

Despite having a chipped bone in his wrist (fricking noon ball), Tim has been working on creating a drainage system for our basement.  Tonight that involved creating a cement hump in our so-called driveway.  Guess who can’t mix a wheelbarrow full of concrete with a broken hand?  Guess who got to do it instead?  Why the big rush?  Because it is supposed to RAIN.  AGAIN.