Sunday, July 29, 2007
A contest and a great blog...
Mandy is having a contest. She designed an adorable candy bag and is offering entries for knitting it up...Yay!! Go check out her blog - I read it daily - she rocks :)
Caution...whining ahead
My family sucks...I really, really want to go camping and either they are working (damn jobs) or they just want to stay home with their friends and not go with Mom - I am going to load up a bin of yarn and drive myself 4 hours in some direction...build a fire...roast a marshmallow...and...knit...ALL BY MYSELF!!!!!
Friday, July 27, 2007
The Zen House
I almost forgot...Son (Andy) and I visited the (only) Japanese Restaurant Duluth has to offer.
Some background for those who don't know: He studies Japanese at college and hopes to get an internship to study in Japan sometime in the next couple semesters....Eventually, he wants to teach English in Japan and live there. It's just a hoot seeing pics of him involved in some of the cultural events the college hosts...He is after all almost 6'2" - and most of his Japanese/Asian classmates are just a little shorter...
Anyways, I digress...We've been wanting to check it out since my friend, Kim, mentioned she likes to go there for Sushi. (Miss you Kim! Wish you could have been there)
Wow!! How cool. We ordered Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet with vegetable garnish). It was served with rice, vegetable tempura, pickled daikon and miso soup.
First off - let's talk about presentation...it was gorgeous. The plate (I forget the name) is square with individual places for each food. The pork cutlet was sliced in strips and drizzled with a brown liquid...the tempura is deep fried pieces (large) of vegetables - then dipped in their own sauce...yummy....the miso soup had tofu in it (never had tofu before) and sliced scallions...very good.. the remaining part was a potato salad type salad - only the dressing had a distinct flavor (which Andy told me the name, but I don't remember),,,it tasted like horse radish. I love horse radish, Andy wasn't as excited about it.
We then topped off the meal with a frozen banana maki (not sure if I spelled that right or not) - which consisted of frozen banana dunked in dark chocolate and then hardened, then sliced into chunks with each chunk adorned with a dot of fruit sauce on top...again, presentation was awesome...and tasted incredible...
You need to understand that I am a country gal that was brought up on a farm ...so this was really cool for me and it was also really neat to share the experience with Andy.
I must have looked like a "first-timer" because the lady commented on it being my first time here as I paid the bill...don't know what that was all about....
Some background for those who don't know: He studies Japanese at college and hopes to get an internship to study in Japan sometime in the next couple semesters....Eventually, he wants to teach English in Japan and live there. It's just a hoot seeing pics of him involved in some of the cultural events the college hosts...He is after all almost 6'2" - and most of his Japanese/Asian classmates are just a little shorter...
Anyways, I digress...We've been wanting to check it out since my friend, Kim, mentioned she likes to go there for Sushi. (Miss you Kim! Wish you could have been there)
Wow!! How cool. We ordered Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet with vegetable garnish). It was served with rice, vegetable tempura, pickled daikon and miso soup.
First off - let's talk about presentation...it was gorgeous. The plate (I forget the name) is square with individual places for each food. The pork cutlet was sliced in strips and drizzled with a brown liquid...the tempura is deep fried pieces (large) of vegetables - then dipped in their own sauce...yummy....the miso soup had tofu in it (never had tofu before) and sliced scallions...very good.. the remaining part was a potato salad type salad - only the dressing had a distinct flavor (which Andy told me the name, but I don't remember),,,it tasted like horse radish. I love horse radish, Andy wasn't as excited about it.
We then topped off the meal with a frozen banana maki (not sure if I spelled that right or not) - which consisted of frozen banana dunked in dark chocolate and then hardened, then sliced into chunks with each chunk adorned with a dot of fruit sauce on top...again, presentation was awesome...and tasted incredible...
You need to understand that I am a country gal that was brought up on a farm ...so this was really cool for me and it was also really neat to share the experience with Andy.
I must have looked like a "first-timer" because the lady commented on it being my first time here as I paid the bill...don't know what that was all about....
I have been knitting...
I finished my first sock for my second pair...it's about a half inch too short. I apparently started decreasing for the toe too soon - it fits but could be longer...See...this is why I joined the Let's Learn Socks KAL. (Nice polish job, huh?)
In other knitting news - I adapted the pattern for the the small accessory bag shown in One Skein. The original pattern is a crochet pattern. I made it out of Sugar n Cream cotton yarn, using a double seed stitch and made a long rectangle instead of two sides, then sewed the side seams. I plan on lining it and adding a zipper. Can I buy a 5 and a half inch zipper? That might be a problem....
I am toying with the idea of trying Fixation by Cascade for the Sock KAL - and wanted to get a feel for the yarn before I made the decision. The LYS offered a Baby Hat pattern free with purchase of one skein of yarn...Well, can't turn that down...So, I am knitting a baby cap...and..I am a "liking" this yarn....Kim, Linda...whoever gets pregnant first...gets the cap...ready, set, go!!!!
...and....the promised yarn pictures. I bought a skein of 100% Bamboo. WOW! It is so soft...I just randomly pick it up just to feel it....and the color is such a soft, luxurious green...I am not sure what I am going to use it for...suggestions?
That's it for now - I'll be back when I can get some decent outside pics of the rest of my yarn...
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Come knit socks....
Have you ever felt the urge...watched in awe as others....seemingly more accomplished knitters...proudly display their knitted footwear...well, wait no longer....join the throngs of knitters who proudly wear the title of "Sock Knitter".
Run, don't walk to Let's Learn Socks KAL hosted by Alana.
You'll be glad you did!! See ya there...I'll be the one wearing socks I made myself.
Run, don't walk to Let's Learn Socks KAL hosted by Alana.
You'll be glad you did!! See ya there...I'll be the one wearing socks I made myself.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
What a busy day...
Summer school in the morning to administer the BST in Math. (ONLY two students showed up)
Duluth in the afternoon...which included a trip to the yarn store and my first visit to a Japanese restaurrant with my son, Andy. Details and pics to follow.
Duluth in the afternoon...which included a trip to the yarn store and my first visit to a Japanese restaurrant with my son, Andy. Details and pics to follow.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's so sticky...
My choices today....the beach or clean the basement.
Sad to say - I think I am going to clean the basement. It is so unbelievably sticky - the coolness of the basement wins out over the heat of the beach...I know...hard to believe...
So, wish me luck - there's spiders down there......
Sad to say - I think I am going to clean the basement. It is so unbelievably sticky - the coolness of the basement wins out over the heat of the beach...I know...hard to believe...
So, wish me luck - there's spiders down there......
Monday, July 23, 2007
Check out this blog
My son Jeremy and Derek graduated together and were close friends from 7th grade on. Derek is currently traveling around Peru and Ecquador and posting as he goes. His blog has breath-taking, beautiful pictures on it and his writing is fun to read.
So, I am sharing...check him out at Derek's blog.
So, I am sharing...check him out at Derek's blog.
Dishrag Tag - Contest
Dishrag Tag is hosting a contest:
Here are the directions:
Make a post and hopefully include a photo - of your very favorite handmade item that you actually use or wear. It can be something you made, or it can be something you were given. (to clarify before the question comes up: if your favorite handmade item isn't knit or crochet, but is instead sewn or otherwise made, that's really fine too :) this is just about showing off how wonderfully crafty we all can be)
AND
Include a link to something you've seen on another swappers blog that you'd like to make. It can just be a yarn color you liked, or a pattern, or anything you saw and thought "ooh I should make that!"
I made this quilt when He and I were first going out. He had a significant birthday and I wanted to make him something that He would see everyday and think of me. Well, that was about 8 years ago and now it resides on our bed. I kinda got out of the quilting scene - went instead into the college scene and then into the new job scene and finally the knitting scene.
The second item I am posting is my beloved pair of mittens - I made these mittens out of Lamb's Pride from a class at the LYS (a local lady designed the pattern) - I wear them every day from about the end of September until probably the end of April. (Although most days I had to give them up to my 3 year-old backseat partner) I hate having my hands cold. I have since knit up probably an additional 10+ pairs using the pattern. They are soooo warm.
Now, for something I would like to do sometime....hmmm...so, many choices....
I really like Alana's tote. I would like to try needle felting someday. Sorry, Alana for taking your picture without asking. :)
Here are the directions:
Make a post and hopefully include a photo - of your very favorite handmade item that you actually use or wear. It can be something you made, or it can be something you were given. (to clarify before the question comes up: if your favorite handmade item isn't knit or crochet, but is instead sewn or otherwise made, that's really fine too :) this is just about showing off how wonderfully crafty we all can be)
AND
Include a link to something you've seen on another swappers blog that you'd like to make. It can just be a yarn color you liked, or a pattern, or anything you saw and thought "ooh I should make that!"
I made this quilt when He and I were first going out. He had a significant birthday and I wanted to make him something that He would see everyday and think of me. Well, that was about 8 years ago and now it resides on our bed. I kinda got out of the quilting scene - went instead into the college scene and then into the new job scene and finally the knitting scene.
The second item I am posting is my beloved pair of mittens - I made these mittens out of Lamb's Pride from a class at the LYS (a local lady designed the pattern) - I wear them every day from about the end of September until probably the end of April. (Although most days I had to give them up to my 3 year-old backseat partner) I hate having my hands cold. I have since knit up probably an additional 10+ pairs using the pattern. They are soooo warm.
Now, for something I would like to do sometime....hmmm...so, many choices....
I really like Alana's tote. I would like to try needle felting someday. Sorry, Alana for taking your picture without asking. :)
Recycle those bags
Jodie posted a link to My Recycled Bags. I just had to check it out - because I have a gad-zillion (official Math term) plastic bags in my house. A lot of the patterns I saw were crochet - I would think with a little adjustments - I could also knit something up...but the site does have a tutorial on how to prepare your bags and make them into plarn
In my pattern binder...I found this tote - maybe I could make some adjustments and make something similiar...maybe a tote for the beach...
Hmmm...so many ideas and so little time.
In my pattern binder...I found this tote - maybe I could make some adjustments and make something similiar...maybe a tote for the beach...
Hmmm...so many ideas and so little time.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Treasures...
Have I mentioned how very much I HATE Dial-up???? AND, an old computer with too much "stuff" on it to be efficient. Must put that on my to-do list: Buy new computer. Can't do anything about the dial-up...it's my only option. Anyways...enough ragging.
Thursday night: Concerts at the college...Rock-A-Billy Revue at Fon du Lac Community College for the summer concert series. Beautiful evening...free popcorn and the best local band in the upper Midwest, quite possibly the entire state....It was a great way to spend the evening.
Friday: I went garage sale-ing..and my two sons volunteered to spend the day with their mother...Woo Hooo!! Actually I think it was the hint of lunch out...but I'm trying to believe it was because they really wanted to be hauled all over the Northland looking at other peoples (junk) treasure....They even let me stop at the yarn store at the far end of Duluth. They were sooo patient. (Might of had something to do with the bowl of chocolates and the comfy couches) I'm wanting to believe it's because they are such well-mannered, respectful young men... ;) Anyways.....here's what we found...
At a garage sale - I found this shawl type item - I don't know how else to describe it. It is a 19 x 58 inch rectangle that has been folded and joined to the bottom edge... the tag says "hand knit" in Ecuador 100% wool...They wanted $5 - I negotiated long and hard until they came down (I actually just said, How about $3?)
It is made of a bulky brown wool yarn. My thought was to frog the whole piece and selvage the yarn for mittens or socks or hats....Comments?
My other garage sale-ing treasures: A scientific calculator for $1 (you can never have too many calculators) AND a college Calculus textbook also only a $1 (How awesome is that!) I know...rolling eyes and shaking heads. The boys found some play station games for $3 each - so they were happy. Nathan borrowed a nickel to buy a portable/foldable Frisbee... little Frisbee complete with pouch - that it folds into - so he spent the rest of the day opening and closing the Frisbee in the front seat of the car..can you say ADHD? Just kidding.
Garage sales have been a part of my life as a mother since the boys were small...first it was a source of cheap household goods to set up an apartment, then cheap baby/toddler clothes and toys...or books for mom when we didn't have the extra money to spend in that direction. We would load the boys up , pack some sandwiches - give them each $5 and spend the day looking for bargains...I know it sounds kinda "small-town"...and that's the nicest way of saying what some of you may be thinking - but we have a lot of good memories of those days... As I was showing my treasures to my Gramma - (yes, MY Gramma) she commented on how my treasures have changed over the years - which got me thinking - they have changed - now I look for yarn, needles, pattern books, stamping supplies....
They also graciously allowed their mother to spend time at Yarn Harbor, a LYS that I had not been to. I bought 100% cotton mercerized yarn....What does that mean? It was pretty - and thought it would fit nicely for part of my Dog days of Summer Swap package.
I also bought some Fixation yarn - four skeins - two blue variation and two in the black/white. I am hoping to make socks. The nice, helpful lady at the yarn store recommends knitting socks toe up - due to the amount on the skein - which makes sense - if I am going to run out of yarn - I would rather it be on the cuff end of the sock rather than the toe end. I have never knit toe up - Well, to be honest I have only knit one complete pair cuff down...not exactly an expert in this area. Stayed tuned...
And the coolest part of the day...Jeremy came home for a visit (He's the 21 year old, college student who is working and taking classes four hours away) He had not been home since Easter. So we did the big meal with My parents and of course, my Gramma - burgers, corn on the cob, fruit, potato salad, seafood salad and...root beer floats - all per his request...He's turned into a fine young man.
At 8:45 last night the Superintendent called me and informed me that I DID NOT get the position I interviewed for a couple weeks ago - They gave it to someone with multiple degrees - which makes me feel better than the coaching license that I usually lose out to...That was a downer - I really had hoped to get that job and thought I had a good chance.
Today: I am not sure what it holds - I have all four of my children home - maybe I'll try for a picture. Dancing tonight for sure - maybe some knitting....
Thursday night: Concerts at the college...Rock-A-Billy Revue at Fon du Lac Community College for the summer concert series. Beautiful evening...free popcorn and the best local band in the upper Midwest, quite possibly the entire state....It was a great way to spend the evening.
Friday: I went garage sale-ing..and my two sons volunteered to spend the day with their mother...Woo Hooo!! Actually I think it was the hint of lunch out...but I'm trying to believe it was because they really wanted to be hauled all over the Northland looking at other peoples (junk) treasure....They even let me stop at the yarn store at the far end of Duluth. They were sooo patient. (Might of had something to do with the bowl of chocolates and the comfy couches) I'm wanting to believe it's because they are such well-mannered, respectful young men... ;) Anyways.....here's what we found...
At a garage sale - I found this shawl type item - I don't know how else to describe it. It is a 19 x 58 inch rectangle that has been folded and joined to the bottom edge... the tag says "hand knit" in Ecuador 100% wool...They wanted $5 - I negotiated long and hard until they came down (I actually just said, How about $3?)
It is made of a bulky brown wool yarn. My thought was to frog the whole piece and selvage the yarn for mittens or socks or hats....Comments?
My other garage sale-ing treasures: A scientific calculator for $1 (you can never have too many calculators) AND a college Calculus textbook also only a $1 (How awesome is that!) I know...rolling eyes and shaking heads. The boys found some play station games for $3 each - so they were happy. Nathan borrowed a nickel to buy a portable/foldable Frisbee... little Frisbee complete with pouch - that it folds into - so he spent the rest of the day opening and closing the Frisbee in the front seat of the car..can you say ADHD? Just kidding.
Garage sales have been a part of my life as a mother since the boys were small...first it was a source of cheap household goods to set up an apartment, then cheap baby/toddler clothes and toys...or books for mom when we didn't have the extra money to spend in that direction. We would load the boys up , pack some sandwiches - give them each $5 and spend the day looking for bargains...I know it sounds kinda "small-town"...and that's the nicest way of saying what some of you may be thinking - but we have a lot of good memories of those days... As I was showing my treasures to my Gramma - (yes, MY Gramma) she commented on how my treasures have changed over the years - which got me thinking - they have changed - now I look for yarn, needles, pattern books, stamping supplies....
They also graciously allowed their mother to spend time at Yarn Harbor, a LYS that I had not been to. I bought 100% cotton mercerized yarn....What does that mean? It was pretty - and thought it would fit nicely for part of my Dog days of Summer Swap package.
I also bought some Fixation yarn - four skeins - two blue variation and two in the black/white. I am hoping to make socks. The nice, helpful lady at the yarn store recommends knitting socks toe up - due to the amount on the skein - which makes sense - if I am going to run out of yarn - I would rather it be on the cuff end of the sock rather than the toe end. I have never knit toe up - Well, to be honest I have only knit one complete pair cuff down...not exactly an expert in this area. Stayed tuned...
And the coolest part of the day...Jeremy came home for a visit (He's the 21 year old, college student who is working and taking classes four hours away) He had not been home since Easter. So we did the big meal with My parents and of course, my Gramma - burgers, corn on the cob, fruit, potato salad, seafood salad and...root beer floats - all per his request...He's turned into a fine young man.
At 8:45 last night the Superintendent called me and informed me that I DID NOT get the position I interviewed for a couple weeks ago - They gave it to someone with multiple degrees - which makes me feel better than the coaching license that I usually lose out to...That was a downer - I really had hoped to get that job and thought I had a good chance.
Today: I am not sure what it holds - I have all four of my children home - maybe I'll try for a picture. Dancing tonight for sure - maybe some knitting....
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Contest!!
The Heathen Housewife is having a contest. (I love contests) If you enter from my blog PLEEEZE give me credit - then I get another entry (Happy Dance!)
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