Flat bread & Pea soup - among other things...

So today I was reading  the various blogs that I follow. I felt quite envious of the quick wit and quirky writing styles - and the ability of those fellow bloggers to be able to post even in the midst of crazy life changing (and not so life changing) happenings.  Case in point.....fellow blogger Kate at www.ourbestbites.com wrote that she was trying to keep calm while raising 2 kids (and we know how kids always seem to sense when we are at out low points!) and closing on a house in 5 days!!! Even with this she posted a most delicious (and welcome) flat bread recipe....number one....I LOVE bread of all kinds but my weak point is FLAT BREAD!! I never really had a good recipe so I relied on the frozen bread dough (or Texas rolls) and skipped the initial dough making process. Thank you Kate for sharing such an easy quick way to indulge in comfort!!!! Please visit her site for the recipe .....Also....I decided if I make the flat bread then I'm most definitely going to need some homemade something or other to go along with it.  It had to be fast though - especially since the flat bread was going to be relatively quick.  I decided to make my "canned pea soup" - a hodgepodge of sorts that turn into a most wonderful delight.....I don't usually do the same thing twice but here is what I did this evening:
4 cans (any brand) sweet peas with juice
2 cans (any brand) sweet peas w/o juice
1 large can chicken stock
1 small onion (diced)
2 large carrots (shredded)
1 large potato (shredded)
3 slices deli ham (chopped)
1 tsp freeze dried garlic (same as regular garlic)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp sage
1 tsp white pepper
Place all ingredients into a stock pot and bring to a boil.....then simmer for 30 minutes or until carrot and potato are cooked through.  Using an immersion blender cream the soup for a minute or so.  There should still be a small amount of texture for taste interest :)  Let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken.  Add a dollop of butter on top when serving and sprinkle with black pepper.

I have been keeping up on my knitting......still work diligently on the sweater for my brother.  I'm finally at the part where I can just mindlessly knit (for a billion stitches) and it's nice to be able to pick it up and just start knitting - whether for an minute or an hour.  I have until the middle of next month to complete this task.  I'm thinking it will be doable :)  The funny thing is the sweater seems to be much smaller than the last one I knit - I'm hoping like the dickens that it is an illusion! I do have the body scrunched on the circular needles and the shoulders are cinched in with waste yarn (until I add the sleeves)  I'm sure once it is all released the sweater will take on a more manly size!

 In between all the knitting and cooking and working and playing etc. etc. there are the puzzles!  A few have been completed since my last blog - but this is the one in process at the moment.....fun!

Enjoy life and share some smiles along the way :)

Sleep well......

I haven't posted for a few days......I guess I have been pretty busy.....at least too busy to take pictures or sit and write.  I have not forgotten my personal pact to embrace this new task with vim and vigor! I shall return with more life in the slow lane - but for now......sleep well :)

Today I smile :)

Today I smile :)  I haven't really accomplished much.....but I smile :) I think I will make Tuesdays "Smile even if you don't know why" day......feels good.  Friendship makes me smile....Isn't it amazing to watch little ones......they truly see nothing but YOU. They look in your eyes and know if you are good or bad - friend or foe. They are not concerned by what you look like or where you came from.... How awesome it would be to see through those eyes again...  It's never to late to remember......today I smile :)  And I know why!

http://www.ourbestbites.com
Discovered this wonderful website - for those of you who want to smile in the kitchen!!!

Memories in the making :)

It is always a blast to spend any time whatsoever with Kristofer.....but as he gets older (now nearly a teenager) it's even more of a blessing!!! One can never take for granted that the relationships that come easy and that are so very comfortable are going to remain so......you need to work at it - be real and honest and LOVING! For a "nearly teenager" to embrace his Nana with joy....not afraid to say "I love you" or "This is so much fun!"...is a small miracle in my book.....a tribute to parents that allow feelings to be expressed and understood......And just as it is important for him to express himself it is also very important not to forget the child in myself....to remember what it is like to feel angst and fears over friends, situations, thoughts......to feel "over the moon" over the very same things.......it is a confusing time, an exciting time, and a time full of opportunities to love and to connect.  Kristofer and I connect :)  We had such a blast these last few days together.....thank you Kristofer for sharing so freely of your life and for allowing me to laugh from my belly and giggle from my toes!!!!!

Now it is time to concentrate on my knitting......have the shoulders finished on the sweater I am working on for my brother - many many many more stitches to go!!! I'm looking forward to finishing (this is my third sweater of similarity.....next one MUST be different!!!) I feel very much at ease with the pattern and wool....should move right along....no need to post a picture....maybe when I'm finished (though it is the same one that is posted on my ravelry site - same color and everything!)

Superbowl Sunday!!!! At least I know I will be free to knit all day :)  Snowing snowing snowing - makes it fantastically quiet too!!!!!

Enjoy your day - make it a warm wooly one!!!!!

Frenchpressknit felted slippers giveaway!!!

If you haven't seen these beauties you are in for a treat!!! They are the most wonderful little slippers you will ever see......
French Press Knits is having a drawing for a free pair of these little darlings.... or you can buy them for $65.00!!! She sells a pattern also if you knit and felt :)  Personally, I would LOVE to have a pair made especially for me! Visit Etsy or Frenchpressknit.blogspot.com to see more and perhaps win a darling pair of French felted slippers!

Retraction

Let me just say that when I spoke about the people dressed in Statue of Liberty costume I didn't mean to offend...no not at all! I was, however, startled!  I have been amazed at the personality of these kindred spirits - the talent they share - the agility and imagination!  No longer startled at the sight of a dancing greenish blue statue, I actually found myself mesmerized by their antics ( honks behind me remind me the light has turned green) The signs they hold for each passerby to read are being twirled and tossed in the air....flips and wiggles and then catching the sign as it descends and then again.....very talented and nearly jester like moves.  Their job is done perfectly - they caught MY attention and surely every person that passes must notice. They have done what they were hired to do....  Bravo!!!! (Still kinda creeps me out though....LOL)

Cupcakes!!!

A fellow blogger (thanks Donna!!) introduced me (us) to a totally new cupcake/bakery here in the Springs....I checked out their website and was utterly amazed.....check out the wonderful yummies they have to offer.....and there is so much more!!!!  This is only a sprinkling to tempt your taste buds.....

I think I'm in heaven!!!! So many delightful delicacies.....where to begin....
This will be my new very favorite place to pick up that "little extra something" when visiting a friend - or having tea - or JUST BECAUSE!!!!  Their website if you are interested is:   www.springscupcakes.com  Check em out!

Liberty or Taxes?

I know it's that time of year......everyone should have their W2's by now.....but I find it quite disturbing to be bopping  along, listening to some favorite tunes in my car only to be waved down by a Statue of Liberty.... informing me it's time to do my taxes no less!!! ARRRRGGGHH!!! But then I relax....I realize that I'm in the better place....I COULD be the one waving the sign and doing a jig :)   How much do they pay those people anyways ???