Cold wet days makes for an evening of warm baking!

It has been rainy and cold all day today. It has also been the beginning of the "Great Autumn Purge".  Every year at this time I suffer form the need to do a massive deep cleaning. I start seeing ideas for parties, and festive gatherings, and it creates a need for me to have a space I want to invite people to.  Last year, this got started, but never really finished.  So this year, It Will Be Done!!  Shae and I got started a bit yesterday, and today I was so thrilled when all my guys helped me with the moving of boxes, making more boxes of fabric to move (I inherited a lot of fabric from my husbands Grannie!), and then moved some of those same boxes to a different place.  Then came the moving of the living room furniture!  And Not One Gripe!!  It may have had something to do with the promise of brownies.  Better yet, Brownie Waffles!

So, for Brownie Waffles take one package of Baker's Unsweetened Cocoa, and follow the recipe on the box.

     Thick and gooey batter. Using a scoop, or a measuring cup as I did, ladle into waffle maker.

     Wait calmly while the yummy smell of brownie goodness fills your kitchen.

     And then eat and enjoy the fantastic joy of waffle brownies...or brownie waffles.  Either way, they are just plain good!!  I added a bit of nutmeg and cayenne pepper to these, and I think it took them up to an even better level of yummy!

This lovely spot is from last night, before today's great purge has it now covered in fabric to sort and box up for use.  I have a thing for quaint and cute chairs.  I like to call them "Grannie Chairs".  I have this spot by the front window so I can sit in the mornings with the light shining in and read, crochet, or nap with a Persephone in my lap.

 

     Also, I am loving having my old shelf back to being used as a china cabinet for some of my tea cups and tea pots.  Love it!!

What do you like to do on wet rainy days?

ttfn

Jenn

Baack at the Beginning...

Well, back at the beginning of this month was my husband's and my anniversary. It has been four years since we froze our buns, and forced many of our friends to freeze their buns off too while we stood beside a lake and said our "I do"s!!  And in true style for us, most of the day of our anniversary was spent at our local small Memorial Park zoo because my husband had offered to help cary a black bear into a waiting van so he could get a bad tooth extracted. O_O  I meet up with him and a group of our friends after the loading while they were waiting on the bear to get back for the unloading.  I have always loved this little zoo.  You would think that since I grew up in this town that I would have fond childhood memories of it.  But I don't.  I do have fond memories of bringing my own boys here when they were little to look at the different animals, and they loved it. We all still do!  

As pretty at this place is in summer, it really shines in the autumn!  

All the golden and red leaves shining in the dappled sunlight of the afternoon.

And of course I have my favorite animal that I simply must see every time I come here!

The Georgia Bobcat. Also known as a lynx breed of cat native to Ga.  There are two of them, and I don't know if this is a boy or not, but as he was the one wondering around the most, I decided he was indeed a boy. LOL

Of course the leaves are also worthy of a bit of a close up.

But I don't know if they can just live up to a lynx.  

I mean look at this guy!!

Look at that face!!  I would bet he would LOVE to have his ears scratched!!  

Later that night we went out for dinner to a little tiny Chinese restaurant that had some really yummy food.  They also had a very stunning piece of art work framed and hanging on the wall.

This is all hand embroidery!!  The  image is just fantastic and the colors are stunning!  The detail!  The main bird is a Chinese Phenix, and if you look closely you'll see that he is a mixture of birds.  I loved this peice of art.  I have one around here somewhere that I picked up at a junk/antique store. But mine is so much smaller than this one I would never thought to have framed it; now I think I just may do that.

What interesting decor have you noticed while out and about?

Ttfn

 Jenn

Right now . . .

Yeah, well, it has been awhile since I've posted.  I have joined the many masses that are trying to write a novel in November. Plus, I get a great idea for a post, and have no pictures to go with it, or I have some pictures, but they were from days ago.  I have everyday writers block?  I think I've chatted about this before.

Well, regardless, I have been a bit of a busy, and lazy bee of late.

Right now I am loving the afternoon light as it shines through the house.

     This is from yesterday; my kitty, Persephone enjoying helping me crochet.

    More like enjoying the sun, my lap and getting pets.

     Late afternoon sun setting behind our house. Yeah, there are trees that are growing right up against the deck. They won't be there after this weekend.  I have such plans for this tiny little back deck.

     The light throwing rainbows into the room.

     A rainbow-beam lighting up the scarf I'm making.  Which I finished last night. 

Right now I am loving Eggnog!!  The yummy seasonal drink is perfect by itself, mixed with milk, or used instead of creamer in coffee or tea!  Really, really yummy!!

    This is a new brand that we just found.  It is a bit lighter in the heavy cream than some of the others. Oh, and that bit on the bottle?  Right there..."Each sale helps children in foster care...." Yeah...

     Then if you read the back of the bottle?  You might need a tissue, I did.

Right now I am loving the Goddess Group at my UU church.  We get together every third Sunday and enjoy a lesson, or an activity. This week we worked on the idea of chakras and the gems and colors that are associated with them.

      This is the Chakra charm that I made for a friend that every once in a while needs extra love and affirmation.  I hope that the energies put into it's creation really help her.

Right now I am loving the cold nights, and my fireplace.  Working on crochet and writting don't always mix.

     But by golly, I can give it a try!

     This scarf is also now done, as these two pictures were from one night late last week.

Right now I am loving being able to be home during the day, and not have the stress of a job.  But all good things must come to an end, and I am still working very hard on attempting to get a job.  Our finances are really getting too tight for our comfort.  I have been debating on adding a "Donate" button to my blog. I think I will end up adding it, I just need to sus out how it's done.

Also, those two scarfs will be added to my Zibbet shop by the end of the day today! 

Right now, what are you loving?

ttffn

Jenn

Wednesday W. I. P., a New Mug, and Brownies!

I am still working on my "spooky" shawl. 

It's not actually a Halloween themed shawl, it's just that my boys think that with the pattern as it emerging, and the color of the yarn I'm using, it kinda looks like a spiders web. I guess we'll see when it's done if it does or not. 

Also, for the first time I have been able to be a paying member of our local NPR; and as a thank you for my donation, I got this great nifty tote bag. It's perfect for toting around my current project and other misc girly stuff. 

My hubby brought me home a cute surprise Monday night. 

A "new to me mug" from the Goodwill.

                       SHEEEEEEP!!!!!!!

The images are all so punny and cute!

Here's some more. 

And more......

And the last ones. The mug is made with that really thin fine china, which makes it so light weight! That makes it perfect for tea, or coffee, or for a hot toddy. :-)

I also picked up a new table bowl for fruit the other day. I loved the fall colors and the different flowers in the almost abstract design. 

If I ever get to repaint my kitchen, I'm going to use these colors as my base. 

Shae is helping me make some brownies. 

Baker's chocolate has a perfect recipe in its box, so that is what I'm doing!

We've of course just had to add some colorful topping to our brownies. 

They're in the oven as I type, and are smelling so, so yummy!! 

So, what's in your oven?

;-)

Ttfn

     Jenn

A glorious weekend was had...

     I've been busy with sewing, crochet, and painting this weekend! 

This past Thursday, I started sewing together one of my 13-14th century dresses that I had cut out a while ago. 

     I'm just about done with it. I need to redo the hem it. I seem to be having trouble getting the hem even all the way around, and it's making me twitch. LOL

     As you can see, this dress is Pink!!! I love it! The solid pink wool was a gift from a friend, and as there just wasn't quite enough of it for the whole dress, I used a wool pink plaid blanket from Grannie for the gores and sleeves. (Why, yes there is a cooler sitting in my unused oversized bathtub...isn't that where *everyone* keeps theirs?)

     Also, I may need to clean the mirrors...again. (Or at least once in a while?)

     Look!!! Matching stripes!! I feel so full of win for pulling that off! The sleeve ends and the front closing  are the two parts to do by hand. Unless I decide to wear it as a pull over. Meh. We'll see. (Also, I *love* mu ipad mini!!)

     Saturday afternoon and evening was spent at our Barony's archery practice. My husband and two boys love shooting stuff with arrows! And throwing knifes, and axes and such. With my gone-to-pants shoulder, I can't even pull my kid's bow string back more than once without not being able to move my arm for days afterwards. :-/ 

    Lots of Baronial Folks and M.A.R.S. Folks throwing stuff at targets. I spent the bulk of my time pretending like I was working on my crochet, but really, I was just running my mouth and socializing. I have finally learned I can't talk to more than one person and crochet at the same time! It gets bad! LOL

     Today we went to Gwen's house to help sand and paint the Baronial fence. Ugh. It's a tough job.

     This is just some of it. Lots of it is done, and there is lots still left to do. 

 

                                   Lots.

  

                           Lots.        And lots.

  

                             You get the idea. 

 

    This shows Faelan, and my hubby Pardus, sanding away. And sanding.

     These were the *last* of the boards to be sanded! Woot!! Now all that is left is to finish painting. This is going to happen next Sunday. 

 

    For now, I'm finishing up my rum spiked apple cider, and am soon for bed. 

My plans for this week, so far are, to finish the pink wool dress, start on my other dress, send in way more job applications, and keep crocheting! 

     How was your weekend?

        Ttfn

            Jenn

Wednesday ! Wednesday!! W.I.P.!!!!

  Woo-hoo!!

     It's Wednesday, and I'm actually going to remember to list my Works in Progress! 

     And talk about them. 

     And then I'll actually get it posted while it's still Wednesday!

     Wild, isn't it?

     This will one day be a blanket. One day.

     It is being created with Cascade yarn. I love the jewel tones mixed with that stormy grey.

     I am also working on writing a pattern for a shawl. So far, so good. 

     I think I'm really going to love this one when its done. And this yarn? It is fantastic! It's made from sugar cane and feels just like silk. It's soft, shiney, but it isn't quite as snaggy as silk can get.  Which pretty much makes it perfect! 

     Here you can see its size in relation to my All Shawl that I'm still working on. It's still so little! But the pattern is working up fast! Unlike the All Shall; which is being done in two strands of lace weight yarn.  

     While I love these yarns, and I am sooo excited about this shawl, it is moving sooooo slowly!  It's moving like molasses in January!  

      It's taken two skeins of Malbrigo so far, and I'm thinking I'll want to add about five more...or so. 

     I'm going to make this a pretty big shawl. More to wrap up in.  :-)

     I have also started making some Christmas bunting. 

I love this book! The motifs in it are just so neat looking. 

    The idea of working in all the different ends has scared me a little bit, but I'm going to push past that and just get this done. I can't wait til I'm hanging it on my mantle with our stockings! 

     And then there is this. 

    A lone slipper.

     I need to go ahead and make the other one. Especially since it's gotten really chilly in the mornings here.  Autumn, I'm loving it!

     So, yeah, that's quite a lot of projects on my hooks right now. Whew. I wonder if I can get all but the blanket done by the first of Dec? Hmm. That sounds like a goal! I also have an idea of making a few scarfs, and hats and a shawl for gifts this year too. I guess I really need to get busting on the stitches!

     So, what projects do you have on you hooks, or needles right now?

    Ttfn

        Jenn

My past weekend ...

      This past Saturday, the Hubby and I went to a wedding. it was only about a 45 minute drive from our house and was set to start around 11:30; which of course, it didn't. LOL  It was closer to noon, which meant we had plenty of time to look around the stunning house that was the site of the wedding, as well as chat with some fantastic friends before the start of the ceremony.
     Look at this staircase!!!

     Yeah, sorry for the blurry picture, it seems that the low light did not agree with my phone. lol. Do you see that ceiling? I am so enamored with it! It makes me want one in my home...heck, it makes me want to move this house to my to! Ha!

     Here is my husband and I. Don't we look fetching?  I had done some frantic last minute shopping the night before with my best gal Ashley, and her daughter, at a local thrift store and found the perfect skirt, sweater and heels to wear to the wedding!  I had an outfit in mind, but I wasn't as thrilled with it as I became with this one.

     Here is the Bride and Groom, being attended to by the coordinator and some of the wedding party.  Her dress is just so perfect for her!!  So, so lovely!!

     After rushing home from the wedding I helped my 16 year old get ready for his Homecoming dance at his school.  This is a semi-formal that happens near the mid to end of the football season in high schools.  It gives the kids a reason for a fall dance, and parents a reason to spend money. Hehe. As you can see, my son really prefers the SEMI part of the semi-formal.  But, he was just perfectly dressed for his dates dress. :-)

Good Grief! I feel my age every time I realize he is 16. 

     The tie on him is so dashing!!

     We have been having cooler, but bright and sunny days here now for many days. I am loving, loving, loving the cooler air!  And the Monarch Butterflies are on the Move!!
They seem to be loving my butterfly bush right now too!

     Can you count how many? I believe that there are 15 in this picture! And over all, I was able to count up to 20 with out loosing track of who had been counted. I'm sorry if the picture is a little pants. I haven't washed the window in a while, and the screen seems to get in the way of the focus...but anywho, it's still a pretty sight! This is the view right out from the kitchen table, from my spot even. :-D

      Autumn is well and truly on its way in around here.

    Whee!!!!

          Jenn

Rainy days ... Now where is my autumn?

     Yesterday was such a rainy day. 

     Although it seems like our butterfly bush is loving the late lasting warmth, and rain.

     Wet. Wet. Wet. 

     And not a bit cold. 

     No chill. 

     No Autumn crispiness to the air. Yet.

     Warm summer air is hanging on here in Georgia. Mostly I love rainy days. If I get to stay home.       All I wanted to do, was have a fire, drink tea and crochet all day. Alas, I had to dash out into the rainy day and run errands, and have lunch with my hubby.  All in all, not too bad a day, even if a wet, soggy one.

     This is one of my project "bags of holding". I love it! The Rose I had crocheted forever ago with a bulky chenille yarn. 

      Inside is some glorious yarn purchased about two years ago. Soft, warm, lovely alpaca fluffy yarn. The colors are in the jewel tones along with a lovely stormy grey, to keep the other colors grounded.

     I have recently picked up this project again in hopes for more cool weather. It's a Grannie Ripple blanket. I will need lots more of this yarn to make it the size I'm aiming for; which I hope will big enough for our king sized bed. I also have hopes of taking it camping. Of course, I'm not sue I'll want to share my blanket. 

    I am so ready for cold weather! 

What's your favorite season?

Ttfn 

    Jenn